The hottest Economics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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I thought we liked free markets

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Crypto Tech Economics Market Trends
  1. Advertisers are feeling pressure from X to spend more, as there are concerns about political consequences if they don't. This shows a shift in how government and business interact.
  2. Block's recent earnings report missed expectations, raising concerns for the fintech sector. Although not devastating, this might delay new company launches in the industry.
  3. Coinbase has had a legal win against the SEC, which could open doors for more crypto companies. Without strong regulations, this market may see both opportunities and risks for investors.

Top Links 607 Uncertainty in energy markets. Nike dashing for cash & the strange absence of the state.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💼 Business Finance Markets Economics Corporate Industry
  1. Energy markets are facing a lot of uncertainty right now, making it hard to predict what will happen next. This can affect prices and availability for consumers.
  2. Nike is trying to gather cash quickly, signaling possible financial issues or a need for investment. This could impact their future decisions and strategies.
  3. The government seems to be less involved in addressing current economic challenges, leaving some questions about their role and support during these times.

One Funeral at a Time

MD&A • 453 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💼 Business Real Estate Economics Investing Market Trends Financial Strategies
  1. People often stick to familiar ideas, even if they're wrong, because those ideas feel comfortable. Just like in science, new information can be hard to accept.
  2. Seeing the world differently can lead to better investment opportunities. Those who challenge common beliefs can find hidden chances in the market.
  3. Making simple changes can solve big problems. Just like washing hands helped reduce childbed fever, allowing more housing construction might help lower rising costs.

What Is To Be Done? Investing Where It Matters.

Breaking the News • 654 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Investing Economics Innovation Manufacturing Market Trends
  1. Investing in advanced technology manufacturing is gaining momentum in the US. This is a positive sign for the economy, showing growth and innovation.
  2. It's important to focus on what truly matters when making investments. This could mean supporting industries or ideas that have the potential to make a significant impact.
  3. Documenting progress and sharing stories of innovation can inspire others to get involved and contribute to meaningful change. It helps to keep the momentum going.

Pakistan needs a plan

Noahpinion • 13588 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Economics Geopolitics Foreign Investment Education
  1. Pakistan needs stability, privatization, education, foreign investment, and peace to improve its economic situation.
  2. The country is facing a significant debt crisis due to borrowing from organizations like the International Monetary Fund, resulting in a continuous increase in foreign debt.
  3. To escape the debt trap, Pakistan should focus on investing more, especially through privatization, attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing education, and seeking peace and economic cooperation with India.
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What's Behind the SynBio Bust?

Rough Diamonds • 72 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Manufacturing Innovation Startups Economics
  1. Synthetic biology and biomanufacturing can be expensive. It's usually cheaper to make simple chemicals using traditional methods than using living organisms.
  2. Biomanufacturing startups need to focus on products that can only be made with biological processes. If they try to compete on common products, they will struggle.
  3. Successful biomanufacturing requires good teamwork between design and manufacturing. Companies that only focus on one part of the process often face big problems.

🚀 What did they take from us, exactly?

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Regulation Progress Digital Economics
  1. Innovation has faced many challenges due to strict regulations and negative attitudes towards progress. This has slowed down our technological advancements and kept us from realizing exciting future possibilities.
  2. There were two major periods of optimism in history that drove technology forward—after World War II and during the digital revolution. During these times, people felt hopeful and invested in new ideas and inventions.
  3. To bring back that spirit of progress, we need to focus on supporting innovation and overcoming barriers that limit potential. It's important to keep believing in a better, more advanced future.

Top Links 610 China's procyclical fiscal. Whole Foods v. Trader Joe's. Pakistan's surprise rally & chess dominance.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Fiscal policy Consumer behavior
  1. China's fiscal policy has become procyclical, which means it is tightening when the economy needs support. This could actively hinder economic recovery in challenging times.
  2. Whole Foods and Trader Joe's represent contrasting business models, with Whole Foods focusing on premium offerings and Trader Joe's emphasizing value and unique products. This highlights different consumer preferences in grocery shopping.
  3. Pakistan experienced an unexpected rally, demonstrating resilience in its economy, alongside notable achievements in chess. This showcases the potential for growth and excellence in different fields, even in difficult circumstances.

Turns out a lot of Unreported Truths readers have been thinking a lot about AI

Unreported Truths • 29 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Economics Global Security Automation
  1. Many people believe AI will change our jobs and lives in the near future. A recent poll showed that 70% think it's likely.
  2. There are different kinds of risks from AI. One big worry is that AI could become aware and act against humans, while another concern is how nations might use AI in warfare.
  3. AI is already starting to disrupt white-collar jobs. Some people think this could lead to big changes in the workforce, similar to past industrial shifts.

The Great Reset: From Startups to What's Next

European Straits • 60 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups Finance Economics Innovation Global Markets Entrepreneurship
  1. Europe has struggled to create big tech companies like those in the US and China. It's due to issues like culture differences and less investment, which make it harder for companies to grow big.
  2. The US has certain advantages, such as a large market and easier access to funding, that help companies succeed. In Europe, money tends to be concentrated with a few wealthy families, making startups struggle.
  3. Even if startups seem to be fading, there's still a chance for new tech and ideas to emerge, especially with things like AI. Companies are likely to focus on efficiency rather than just rapid growth.

What happens if you pause growth, invest in AI, and relaunch?

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Investing Technology AI Economics
  1. Pausing growth to focus on AI development can lead to better products. It allows companies to refine what they offer before trying to grow again.
  2. Investing in creators is becoming a smart business strategy. It helps creators monetize their content while making sure that the investors benefit when creators succeed.
  3. The market is seeing new technology, especially in AI and quantum computing. Companies like Crunchbase are innovating to stay relevant and competitive.

The problem with psychology is that it has no theory

Something to Consider • 1019 implied HN points • 07 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Psychology Economics Human behavior Theories Science
  1. Psychology lacks a solid theoretical framework, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions from research. Without a guiding theory, findings can feel random and disconnected.
  2. Economics, on the other hand, is built on clear theories that help explain and predict human behavior in markets. These theories allow economists to make strong and testable predictions.
  3. A theory in economics helps researchers know what to expect, and it can influence actual outcomes in the real world, unlike the often unclear results in psychology.

Well, there goes the neighborhood

Alex's Personal Blog • 131 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Policy Legislation Economics
  1. The U.S. government is becoming more isolated due to recent political decisions and actions, which could have serious economic consequences.
  2. There is a clash between how startups operate and how the government is supposed to function, with concerns about too much control in the hands of a few leaders.
  3. Tariffs and other actions by the government are causing uncertainty in the stock market and making it harder for businesses, especially startups, to succeed.

Top Links 611 Trump's threat to affordable cars. Why trust small business? The world's most important boy scouts & revisiting the Maginot line.

Chartbook • 243 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Trade Tariffs Business
  1. Trump's tariffs will make affordable cars harder to find in the US. This is because the cost of making these cars will go up.
  2. Trusting small businesses is important for our economy. They often provide better service and creativity compared to larger corporations.
  3. Revisiting historical events, like the Maginot Line, can teach us valuable lessons. It's a reminder of how preparation and strategy matter in facing challenges.

Lawler: More Ruminations on the “Neutral” Rate of Interest

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 47 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Interest Rates Economics Federal Reserve Housing Market
  1. The current monetary policy is not tight enough to be called restrictive. This means people can still borrow money relatively easily.
  2. Tom Lawler has discussed the 'Neutral' rate of interest a lot. Understanding this rate helps us know how the economy might react to changes in interest rates.
  3. Recent comments from Fed Chair Powell suggest that the interest rate environment is still being evaluated, which could affect future economic policies.

Top Links 587 The American tech R&D surge. The last minute trip to Angola. Missing the Merkel-Obama years & asphyxiatory violence.

Chartbook • 529 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Research Innovation Corporate Economics Global
  1. The American tech industry has seen a big increase in research and development recently. This growth is helping to drive innovation and improve technology.
  2. There was a recent important visit to Angola, which may signify growing international ties or interests. Such trips can highlight shifts in foreign policy or economic focus.
  3. Many people are reflecting on the past leadership of Merkel and Obama. They are compared to current times, hinting at lessons learned or changes in political climate.

Sorry, Elon: Henry Ford Started a Colony First

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💾 History Colonialism Economics Agriculture Management Environment
  1. Henry Ford tried to create a city called Fordlandia in the Amazon rainforest to produce rubber. He faced many challenges because the environment was very different from what he knew.
  2. The project suffered from poor living conditions, high worker turnover, and management problems, leading to riots and disease among workers. It was hard to get people to stay and work.
  3. Ultimately, the project failed to produce rubber as intended and Ford lost a lot of money. It shows how difficult it is to impose a new way of life in an unfamiliar place.

Moving Mental Mountains

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1369 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Technology Economics Management Workforce
  1. Now it's easier and cheaper to explore data and insights, so we should be more curious and take the time to investigate our 'I wonder' moments.
  2. Emotional reactions often replace actual work, and we need to focus on doing the analytical tasks instead of just responding emotionally.
  3. When analyzing data, start small and make sure your findings are accurate. Sharing what you learn can help you grow and encourage collective knowledge.

Everything Looks Like A Nail

Where's Your Ed At • 25075 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
💼 Business Technology Venture Capital Inequality Social Responsibility Economics
  1. Marc Andreessen wants to portray himself as a victim despite his immense success and wealth.
  2. Andreessen promotes a vision of continuous technological advancement, but his actions and investments often prioritize maintaining the status quo.
  3. Andreessen's manifesto is filled with contradictions and hypocrisy, advocating libertarian economic thinking while benefiting from government intervention.

Why Insurance Companies Are Rationally Failing Their Social Purpose

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1391 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business Insurance Finance Economics Investing Risk management
  1. Insurance is meant to convert risks into opportunities, allowing people to buy homes and start businesses by protecting lenders against losses. But it's complicated when companies only want to insure low-risk customers.
  2. Insurance companies often cut back on the risks they cover to stay competitive and offer lower prices, which means they might not support those in need, like entrepreneurs with health issues.
  3. For insurance to work as it should, companies need to stop focusing solely on low-risk clients. They should start covering real people, including those who are a bit riskier, to provide the societal benefits that insurance was originally designed for.

Top Links 589 How US arrivistes do it better. Exceptionalism weighed. Sino-Saudi ties. The global cotton boom and slavery in Egypt.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics International Economics Social Issues History
  1. US exceptionalism can be seen in how new arrivals succeed differently compared to other countries. It shows a unique approach to opportunity and wealth.
  2. Understanding Sino-Saudi relationships is important for seeing how global politics are formed today. These connections affect trade and influence between nations.
  3. The global cotton industry has a dark history tied to slavery, especially in Egypt. This highlights ongoing issues of human rights in worldwide supply chains.

CBW Accuses FDIC Of Racial, Gender Discrimination; Trade Groups Support Bank’s Seventh Amendment Claim

Fintech Business Weekly • 89 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💰 Finance Banking Investment Regulation Economics Legal issues
  1. CBW is accusing the FDIC of racial and gender discrimination in their handling of a significant penalty against the bank. They argue that their leadership has faced bias because of their backgrounds.
  2. A grand jury is investigating the situation surrounding Synapse Financial Technologies, and former employees are being subpoenaed for documents related to potential misconduct.
  3. Patriot Bank is under scrutiny from regulators and has been designated as 'troubled', which means it has to make major changes to its operations and compliance practices.

Can Labour Fix the NHS?

Comment is Freed • 92 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Policy Government Economics
  1. Labour needs to improve the economy and the NHS to win a second term. If people feel better financially and notice changes in healthcare, that would help their chances.
  2. Although Labour has increased the NHS budget, the challenges are much greater now. The NHS is struggling with long waiting lists and a demoralized workforce.
  3. The government aims to shift focus from hospital care to prevention and community health, but they often do the opposite. Past strategies haven't worked, and they need to really commit to a new approach.

The Fed Has Stopped Pretending that Price Inflation Is Going Away

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 23 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Inflation Interest Rates Economics Government spending
  1. The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates, claiming confidence in lower inflation, but that confidence seems to have faded. The Fed is now uncertain about its inflation goals.
  2. Inflation remains high, especially for everyday necessities like food and housing, causing consumers to struggle with rising costs. Recent data shows that inflation is not improving as expected.
  3. Instead of lowering interest rates, which may not help ordinary people, the Fed should step back and allow the market to adjust naturally. This could help stabilize the economy and provide better opportunities for regular investors.

Not in a Hurry

The Transcript • 79 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economics Investments Banking Market Trends Interest Rates
  1. The Federal Reserve is not rushing to cut interest rates anytime soon. They want to see more economic data before making any decisions.
  2. Many experts believe that the market may be expecting interest rate cuts too soon and that any drops in rates won't happen as fast as people think.
  3. Overall, the economy shows signs of strength with stable hiring and positive corporate earnings, making it unclear if rate cuts are actually needed right now.

Marriage

David Friedman’s Substack • 386 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Marriage Economics Family Society Traditions Relationships
  1. Marriage can be viewed as a partnership where both people share responsibilities like income, chores, and caring for children. It's like running a small business together.
  2. People often choose not to buy all services from outside, like cooking or cleaning, because it's easier and cheaper to do these things at home. It saves time and effort to manage these tasks within a marriage instead of hiring others.
  3. The decline in marriage rates might be linked to fewer household responsibilities and easier options for divorce, which make it less binding than before. People are adjusting to a modern world where marriage can seem less necessary.

✨ 📈 The AI Paradox: When will artificial intelligence boost US economic growth?

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Artificial Intelligence Productivity Innovation Growth
  1. Alan Greenspan raised questions about why technological advances in the 1990s didn't seem to improve productivity statistics. He suggested that it might take time for new technologies to show their full effects.
  2. Greenspan believed that traditional methods of measuring productivity might not capture the real progress happening, especially with services. This mismeasurement could lead to bad decisions on economic policies.
  3. The role of artificial intelligence in boosting productivity is still uncertain. There's hope that AI can help workers produce more, but it's unclear when we will see these benefits reflected in economic growth.

Chartbook 330: Africa & absolute poverty in an era of polycrisis.

Chartbook • 1072 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Poverty Development Economics Global Issues Inequality
  1. Absolute poverty remains a huge issue, especially in Africa, where many people live on very little daily. Despite some progress in reducing poverty in the past, the fight has stalled recently due to several overlapping crises.
  2. Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges, with extreme poverty still on the rise, while other regions like Asia have seen a decline. Many poorer countries have not improved economically, which is concerning.
  3. Stability is crucial for reducing poverty. Countries free from conflict and instability tend to see better economic growth, while those suffering from political issues struggle to escape poverty.

Book review: "Power and Progress"

Noahpinion • 8706 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📚 Literature Book review Economics Innovation Critique History
  1. The impact of technological innovation on human welfare depends on how society chooses to use these innovations, highlighting the importance of social decisions.
  2. The book discusses how power dynamics in society influence the choices made regarding technology, with recent decisions leaning towards negative impacts.
  3. Society can shape technology to distribute benefits more widely by focusing on inventions that complement workers instead of replacing them, presenting a controversial but essential concept.

immigration, immigrants, and the american way of life

bad cattitude • 241 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Economics Identity Policy Culture Society
  1. Human capital is really important for a country's success. We need to create an environment where people's talents can grow and be used effectively.
  2. Immigration and cultural assimilation matter for maintaining a society's values. Newcomers should embrace the American way of life to keep the social fabric strong.
  3. Many Americans feel frustrated with how immigration policies and systems are set up. A fair approach that focuses on merit and recognizes everyone's contributions is needed.

Scaling Laws Meet Economics, but Adoption is still Accelerating

Mule’s Musings • 333 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Economics Modeling Hardware Innovation
  1. Economics are very important when it comes to scaling tech, and while costs are rising, tools like ChatGPT are still becoming more popular. Understanding the balance of cost and usage is crucial.
  2. Scaling laws are changing, and relying solely on large pre-trained models may not be the best strategy anymore. Businesses might need to explore smaller models or alternative methods to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  3. Adoption of AI technologies is still growing rapidly, which shows that despite challenges, many people are eager to use and integrate these tools into their lives.

Is it crazy to pay Juan Soto $765 million?

Silver Bulletin • 486 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Contracts MLB Economics Athletes
  1. The New York sports market is very big, and winning teams bring in a lot of money from fans. People in New York are willing to pay for tickets to see successful teams.
  2. Juan Soto's huge contract of $765 million has raised eyebrows, but it's not just about the money—it's also about attracting fans and maintaining a competitive edge.
  3. The Mets needed a star player to improve their popularity and attendance, especially when compared to the more successful Yankees. This contract might be a gamble, but it could pay off in the long run.

Top Links 578 Airline profits. Global migration. Virtue capitalists & Norwich v. the Soviet Union.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Finance Corporate Market Trends Globalization
  1. Airline profits have rebounded recently, indicating a recovery in the travel industry. This shows that more people are flying again after tough times.
  2. Global migration trends are changing, with more people moving for various reasons. This affects economies and cultures around the world.
  3. There is a discussion around 'virtue capitalists,' who focus on social values while making money, and their impact compared to historical examples like Norwich and the Soviet Union.

The "Brilliant" Idea that Saved The Economy and Killed The Future

OK Doomer • 111 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Marketing Innovation Product Design Corporate strategy
  1. A group of light bulb companies created a plan to make bulbs that burnt out faster, so people would buy more. This was done under the false idea that they were improving efficiency.
  2. In the 1990s, a company launched a cheaper printer but actually just made minor changes instead of improving the product. They found clever ways to cut costs without giving customers a better deal.
  3. These examples show how businesses can prioritize profit over quality, tricking consumers into spending more money without a real benefit.

Really good AI would make economic management much easier (Wonkish)

Philosophy bear • 107 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Economics Regulation Labor Market
  1. Good AI could help manage the economy by making it easier to fix problems like monopolies or pollution. This means we could better control and regulate businesses to benefit everyone.
  2. If AI can do many jobs humans do now, it could save a lot of money on regulatory costs. This would make it easier for governments and companies to comply with rules and regulations.
  3. With better data and smarter tools, we could understand the costs and benefits of economic actions more clearly. This would help in making better decisions about taxes, regulations, and contracts.

Slavery was bad

Slow Boring • 7095 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Economics Slavery Political Discourse Capitalism
  1. Slaveowners among America's founding fathers knew slavery was bad, but still profited from it.
  2. In the early 19th century, the South shifted to viewing slavery as a 'positive good,' leading to political divides and eventually the Civil War.
  3. A new paper by economic historians argues that the costs of slavery far outweighed the benefits, likening enslavement to theft.

The US Seems to Be Deliberately Weakening its Global Position

Phillips’s Newsletter • 120 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy International relations Economics Global Strategy Geopolitics
  1. The US is becoming weaker on the global stage, which affects its influence and power. This might lead to challenges in maintaining its leadership in international matters.
  2. Alliances between countries are more powerful than relying on individual nations alone. Strong partnerships can help ensure security and success in conflicts.
  3. China's economic strength is growing, and when considering purchasing power, it may be leading over the US. This shows that economic measures can change the perception of power between countries.