The hottest Economics Substack posts right now

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Top Links 593 How tariffs on imports from Mexico would hurt the US. Chinese v. Indian education. The rare whiskey bubble bursts & the danger of melting permafrost.

Chartbook • 300 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy International relations Economics Education Environment
  1. Tariffs on imports from Mexico could lead to negative effects for the US economy, as they might raise prices and reduce access to goods.
  2. There is an ongoing comparison between the education systems of China and India, highlighting their differences and impacts on global development.
  3. The rare whiskey market is experiencing a decline, which shows the risks of investment in specialized products, along with concerns about climate change affecting permafrost.

The ASOMOCO Top 10 (2024 Edition)

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 226 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Finance Corporate Innovation Monetary Policy
  1. Corporations use simplified interfaces to interact with people, making it easier for us to deal with their complex structures. This can give them a more relatable personality, changing how we perceive them.
  2. Billionaires are often seen as uniquely gifted individuals, but this view overlooks the collaborative efforts of many people that contribute to their success. It's important to understand the collective work behind big achievements.
  3. Surveillance is becoming normalized as companies find new, clever ways to collect our data. They often spin this as a fun experience, making people look forward to sharing their information.

Top Links 567 How Trump's moves against EV subsidies play into Tesla's hands. Why R&D spending does not raise productivity & Kazakhstan’s Golden Man.

Chartbook • 572 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Economics Environment Innovation Business
  1. Trump's actions against electric vehicle (EV) subsidies might actually benefit Tesla. This could give Tesla an advantage in the market while affecting other EV makers.
  2. Research and Development (R&D) spending does not always lead to higher productivity. It's important to consider how the investment is managed and applied.
  3. Recent changes in tax credits for EVs are causing a drop in stock prices for renewable energy companies in the US. This suggests that policy changes can significantly impact the market.

Top Links 573 US bank failures. Gas-powered trucks. The Suriname debt crisis & the underground struggle in Colombia.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💰 Finance Banking Debt Economics Investments Policy
  1. There have been 573 bank failures in the US, which is a significant number. This may affect the economy and people's trust in banking.
  2. Gas-powered trucks are still widely used, indicating ongoing reliance on fossil fuels. This might have implications for environmental discussions and policies.
  3. The Suriname debt crisis and struggles in Colombia show that economic challenges are not only local but also global. These situations need attention and understanding from a broader perspective.
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Top Links 583 Europe's disinflation is real. Elon Musk's state-like powers. Standing with crypto & Nigerian Japa.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics Investments Crypto Market Trends Regulations
  1. Europe is experiencing real disinflation, meaning prices are rising more slowly than before. This could impact the economy positively as inflation decreases.
  2. Elon Musk is being discussed for having almost state-like powers due to his influence and control in various sectors. This raises questions about the power of individual leaders in today’s world.
  3. There is a growing support for cryptocurrencies, particularly in Nigeria, where many people are looking for better opportunities, often referred to as 'Japa.' This highlights a trend of using crypto for economic mobility.

Top Links 586 Choices for the dollar. France's bond market humiliation. Federal payrolls and attacks on the Kosovo water works.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Global Finance Public Policy
  1. The U.S. dollar has many different choices and options available, making it a complex topic.
  2. France recently faced difficulties in its bond market, which has caused concern.
  3. There have been notable occurrences involving federal payrolls and issues related to water services in Kosovo.

Top Links 574 Gold stumbles. How Trump cost Boeing $3 billion. The UK's bitcoin haul. Beak capitalism.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
💰 Finance Economics Investments Market Trends Cryptocurrency Corporate News
  1. Gold prices are struggling and have not been performing well recently. This trend is something to watch in financial markets.
  2. Former President Trump had a significant impact on Boeing, costing the company around $3 billion. This shows how political decisions can affect big businesses.
  3. The UK has seen a notable increase in Bitcoin income, which highlights the growing interest in cryptocurrencies in the region.

Committee size is the same as efficiency: the central bank versus the legislature

Demodexio • 264 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Economics Legislation Public Policy Political theory
  1. Smaller committees are usually more efficient than larger ones. A tiny group can make decisions faster than a big group full of different opinions.
  2. Fiscal policy can be more effective than monetary policy, especially during tough economic times. Governments can take action on economic issues more quickly when they have a smaller legislative body.
  3. To manage complex government tasks better, we might need more specialized committees. A focus on smaller, efficient groups could help create better laws and address the needs of a diverse society.

✨ Central planning in the Age of AI: A Quick Q&A with … economist and regulation expert Lynne Kiesling

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Regulation Policy AI Impact
  1. Central planning has often failed in the past, but some people still find it appealing. It suggests that government control can better manage resources compared to free markets.
  2. Knowledge and data are different. Personal experience and understanding shape our knowledge, while data is just numbers generated from actions, like purchases.
  3. Markets are important because they turn personal knowledge into useful data. Through buying and selling, individual choices help coordinate production and drive innovation.

SpaceShoring: When Offshoring Just Isn’t Far Enough

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Manufacturing Startups Technology Space Economics
  1. Manufacturing in space has unique benefits, like producing materials with special properties that can't be achieved on Earth. This is due to factors like microgravity, which can enhance things like crystallization in materials.
  2. Despite the advantages, there are huge challenges to making space manufacturing cost-effective. High startup costs and technical difficulties mean it's currently not competitive with traditional Earth-based manufacturing.
  3. The future of space manufacturing could depend on companies like SpaceX reducing launch costs even more. If prices drop significantly, it might open up new possibilities for making things in space that could eventually be profitable.

🎭✨ Ben Affleck’s wise words on AI

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Economics Innovation Automation Employment
  1. New technology, like AI, can help reduce costs. This can make it easier for more people to access entertainment and creative content.
  2. There's a common fear that robots will take over jobs, but it's important to understand how technology can create new opportunities instead.
  3. Adapting to new technologies can lead to a demand for different skills. Learning and evolving with technology is key to staying relevant in the job market.

Top Links 592 The upside of inflation. Warhammer and the British economy & the Cesarean boom.

Chartbook • 271 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economics Inflation Business Market Trends Debt
  1. Inflation can have positive effects on the economy. It's important to understand how it can sometimes benefit different sectors.
  2. The Warhammer gaming franchise is linked to the British economy in interesting ways. It shows how cultural phenomena can impact financial trends.
  3. There has been a rise in the rate of Cesarean births, often referred to as a boom. This trend raises questions about healthcare practices and preferences.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #105

Creative Destruction • 51 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Society Community Lifestyle Technology Economics
  1. The addiction economy isn't just about things like social media; it's about all the industries that thrive on craving and dependency, which shapes our capitalism.
  2. Experiencing job loss in today's world can make work feel less meaningful, leading to a broken trust between companies and employees. People focus more on just getting paid rather than finding fulfillment.
  3. Life can't be perfectly curated or optimized; real growth comes from the messy, awkward experiences we go through. Accepting this messiness can lead to a more genuine and fulfilling life.

Top Links 579 How bad is Russia's inflation? The history of the slurpee & junk playgrounds.

Chartbook • 386 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economics History News International relations
  1. Russia is facing serious inflation issues, and it is important to understand how badly it is affecting the economy.
  2. There is a fascinating history behind the slurpee and junk playgrounds that explores their cultural significance.
  3. Banks and private credit firms are forming new partnerships, which could change the financial landscape.

The bottomless financial insanity of the Rwanda scheme

Striking 13 • 2515 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Government Finance Policy International relations Economics
  1. The UK's Rwanda scheme is shown to be financially insane, with exorbitant costs and no real impact, according to a recent report.
  2. The Home Office's approach to the scheme is criticized for its irrationality, waste of money, and failure to address the asylum backlog effectively.
  3. Comparison with the costs of a functioning asylum system highlights the extreme financial inefficiency and lack of logic in the Rwanda scheme.

Top Links 568 Stock markets in the 2nd Trump Presidency. How emering markets emerged. Indian food inflation & the global wine glut.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Investments Inflation Economics Global Trade
  1. Stock markets might struggle to reach new highs during Trump's second term compared to his first term.
  2. Emerging markets have become more prominent in the global economy, showing their growth potential.
  3. Food inflation in India and oversupply in the wine market are significant trends affecting consumers today.

Top Links 572 Tariffs & toys. The Trump non-linearity. A Miami real estate mystery. Keeping the Panama Canal open.

Chartbook • 443 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tariffs Economics Real Estate Trade Policy
  1. Tariffs can impact holiday shopping by raising prices on various goods. This might make things like toys more expensive for consumers.
  2. There are unique stories, like the mystery surrounding Miami's real estate market, that highlight interesting trends in the economy.
  3. Global issues, such as keeping the Panama Canal open, show how interconnected our world is and why these logistics matter for trade.

Top Links 595 Will there be a Trump bounce? OPEC has prices wrong & Why the US needs Diego Garcia

Chartbook • 228 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economics Government Public Opinion International relations
  1. The idea of a 'Trump bounce' suggests people's feelings might improve following certain news, but it doesn't always lead to more loans being requested. It's important to connect feelings to real actions like spending and borrowing.
  2. OPEC's predictions about oil prices may not be accurate, which could impact global economies more than we realize. It's crucial to pay attention to how oil price changes affect us all.
  3. The U.S. has strategic needs for places like Diego Garcia. Having military bases in such locations is important for national security and global influence.

Will there be a Trump bounce? OPEC has prices wrong & Why the US needs Diego Garcia

Chartbook • 228 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Public Opinion Economics Geopolitics
  1. The idea of a 'Trump bounce' in the economy might not lead to an increase in loan demand like it did before. It's important to pay attention to financial trends and how sentiment affects the market.
  2. OPEC's pricing strategies could be misaligned with the current market conditions, which may impact global oil prices and economies that rely on them.
  3. The US strategic interest in Diego Garcia highlights the importance of military and geopolitical positioning in global affairs, especially regarding security and trade.

Mr. Haltiwanger and the Austrians

Bet On It • 140 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Market Analysis Competitiveness Labor Economics
  1. Austrian economists should pay more attention to John Haltiwanger’s research on creative destruction. His work shows how important entrepreneurial growth is to the economy.
  2. Entrepreneurs help move resources to better uses by discovering opportunities and improving efficiency. This competition helps the economy grow and evolve.
  3. Measuring how resources are reallocated can show if markets are really working well. If more productive firms gain market share, it indicates a healthy, dynamic economy.

Onchain Landscape (Part 1)

DeFi Education • 839 implied HN points • 08 Jun 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investment Finance Technology Economics
  1. There are different blockchain ecosystems called Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3, and each has its own use and benefits. Understanding these layers can help you decide where to invest your time and money.
  2. Layer 2 solutions help blockchains process more transactions efficiently by using off-chain data to save on resources. This means faster transactions and lower costs, making them a hot spot in the crypto world.
  3. Layer 3 is a newer concept that sits on top of Layer 2, focusing on specific apps and improving their functionality. While still experimental, investing in Layer 3 can present unique opportunities.

ICE Mortgage Monitor: “Lowest calendar year home price growth of any year since 2011”

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 52 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💰 Finance Real Estate Mortgage Economics Market Trends Home Prices Delinquencies
  1. Home price growth was the slowest since 2011, ending the year at just 3.4%. This is significantly lower than the growth rates seen in previous years.
  2. The number of homes for sale increased by 22% in 2024, which is the highest level of inventory since mid-2020. Some markets are even back to pre-pandemic levels.
  3. Mortgage delinquencies have started to rise, especially with FHA and VA loans. This suggests potential issues in mortgage performance could become more prominent in 2025.

WEEKLY BRIEFLY NOTED: For 2025-01-13 Mo

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics Markets Investments Policy Insurance
  1. 1. Understanding Economic Issues: The text discusses the idea that many problems in society are linked to economic misunderstandings and a lack of effective communication in the management of public services. It highlights the need for better systems to gather and process information for effective governance.
  2. 2. The Role of Government: It emphasizes that a government's primary job isn't just to keep people safe, but to empower them and solve crises effectively. Officials should focus on actual disaster management rather than just maintaining the appearance of control.
  3. 3. Challenges of Modern Technology: There is a critique of how tech companies like Facebook are operating without a long-term vision, which affects user experiences negatively. The discussion invites us to think about how technology can be used to improve our understanding and utilization of information.

Open Borders and Adverse Selection?

Bet On It • 231 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Public Policy Economics Debate Social Issues
  1. Opening borders can lead to both positive and negative selection. While allowing more people in can benefit society, it can also attract individuals who might not contribute positively.
  2. It's important to vet immigrants to avoid potential negative impacts, like crime or community issues. Simply accepting everyone without checks can create problems in the long run.
  3. Using examples like the influx of Ukrainian refugees shows that context matters. Not all immigration situations are the same, and having clear reasons for migration can soften concerns about negative selection.

Fund Raiser! Please buy a subscription.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Fundraising Subscriptions Economics Entrepreneurship
  1. Money is tight, and it's important to be mindful of our spending. Choosing the cheapest options can help during tough financial times.
  2. Supporting creators and writers through subscriptions can ensure they continue providing content. Your support can make a big difference!
  3. Weather can impact activities like busking, so it's okay to take a break when conditions aren't favorable. Staying safe is a priority.

Beyond Prediction: Shaping Your Work Story in an Uncertain World

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 488 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Workforce Technology Management Education Economics
  1. There are seven main stories shaping how we think about the future of work. Each one explores different trends and possibilities, like technology, job loss, and education.
  2. We can't predict exactly what will happen, but we can choose which narrative we want to believe in. Our choices can shape our future work experiences.
  3. Lifelong learning and adaptation are becoming essential. As technology changes, we need to keep learning to stay relevant in our jobs.

A Lens to Understand the Trump Tariffs

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 769 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💰 Finance Tariffs Trade Economics Investment Market Analysis
  1. Not all tariffs are bad; they can help boost domestic manufacturing and protect jobs. The U.S. has lost many manufacturing jobs to overseas markets, which affects both the economy and national security.
  2. Often, tariff threats are used as negotiation tools rather than actual intentions to impose tariffs. For example, Trump used the threat of tariffs to gain cooperation from other countries on unrelated issues.
  3. The bigger issue is that many countries, including China, put up barriers to U.S. products while expecting open access to American markets. Addressing these trade imbalances can be crucial for fair international trade.

Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-February 2025

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 28 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💰 Finance Real Estate Market Trends Investment Economics Inventory Analysis
  1. New home listings are up 10.8% compared to last year, which is a positive sign for the housing market.
  2. Despite this increase, new listings are still lower than they were before the pandemic.
  3. Inventory levels and what happens in March will be crucial in understanding the future of the housing market.

Lessons from Cybersyn

Magis • 227 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Data Economics Innovation Market Trends
  1. Starting a data company can be really challenging because it takes a lot of time and money to create useful products. It’s hard to find customers who are ready to pay for insights quickly.
  2. Big companies have valuable data but making deals can be tough. You often have to convince them to sell data at a good price while also showing them the benefits of monetizing it.
  3. The shift in the market towards valuing profits over growth made it harder to raise funds for data startups. Sometimes, it might be smarter to shut down a project to save capital instead of pushing forward with uncertain outcomes.

Top Links 585 Mexico's laborious economy. VW exits Xinjiang. Bibles are booming. Joan Robinson on time & history.

Chartbook • 271 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Labor Trade Globalization Industry
  1. Mexico works a lot, making it the second biggest economy in the OECD by total hours worked, surpassing countries like Germany.
  2. Volkswagen has decided to leave Xinjiang, reflecting changing business strategies in sensitive regions.
  3. There is a rising interest in Bibles, indicating a shift or demand in religious materials.

Top Links 566 Power prices. How will migrants and smugglers respond to the Trump shock? Prisons of power and Keynes on fairy dust.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Energy Labor Trade Policy
  1. Cheap electricity is making US companies more competitive compared to businesses from other countries.
  2. There are interesting questions about how migrants and smugglers will react to recent changes in politics.
  3. Keynes' ideas are still being discussed today, especially regarding economic concepts like 'fairy dust.'

Super Bowl ticket prices are down 60% (but not for the reason you might think)

Huddle Up • 22 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Tickets Economics Events Fan culture
  1. Super Bowl ticket prices have dropped by 60%, with the cheapest tickets going for $2,600 this year. This is a significant decrease compared to last year's prices.
  2. Despite the NFL's growing popularity, some fans may be experiencing 'Chiefs fatigue' from the team reaching the Super Bowl three times in a row, leading to less interest.
  3. Other factors like the stadium's large capacity and concerns about safety after a recent attack nearby might also be influencing the ticket price drop.

🗽🧠 Pro-immigration policy and mutual brain gain: A Quick Q&A with … economist Gaurav Khanna

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Economics Policy Labor Globalization
  1. Immigration benefits workers in both the US and India. It leads to better job opportunities and innovation in both countries.
  2. Indian students often pursue IT skills to try for jobs in the US. Even those who don't make it can help grow India's own tech sector.
  3. The US gains when foreign students study there, even if they return home. Their presence supports local schools and boosts the economy.

The Economics of Altruism

David Friedman’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Altruism Economics Evolution Psychology
  1. Altruism can be understood in economic terms by suggesting that people might care about others' well-being as part of their own happiness. This means that helping others can also benefit the helper.
  2. The 'Rotten Kid Theorem' explains that even selfish behavior in children can lead them to act in ways that are good for everyone, as they understand their actions affect their parent's support.
  3. Altruism may have evolved as a way to help groups survive better. When one person helps others, it can create better cooperation for the whole group, making it more successful over time.

Rising existing inventory in Texas and Florida

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 42 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💰 Finance Housing Market Economics Investment Market Analysis Real Estate
  1. Rising home inventory in places like Texas and Florida doesn't always mean a bad market. It can show real demand or a strong market too.
  2. Many people wrongly believe that too many houses lead to market crashes, but actually, drops in demand usually cause these issues.
  3. In past downturns, like in 2008, price drops happened after demand decreased, not because of oversupply. Understanding this helps make sense of current housing trends.

Atlas Won’t Shrug

Doomberg • 7754 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💰 Finance Energy Commodities Economics Markets Policy
  1. The human need for energy continues to grow despite various historical crises and catastrophes.
  2. Energy is not just an input into the economy but is actually the foundation of the economy itself.
  3. The idea of peak cheap oil being a crisis is challenged, with the belief that humanity would adapt swiftly to any temporary constraints in energy availability.

THE MACRO-FINANCE SITCH: The Streams (of Falling Short-Term & Rising Long-Term U.S. Treasury Rates) Cross

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 115 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💰 Finance Markets Bonds Economics Investing Policy
  1. Short-term Treasury rates are falling while long-term rates are rising, showing a change in investor expectations about future interest rates. This shift hints at more uncertainty in the market.
  2. The current economic situation could lead to tumultuous changes similar to past events in the UK, with concerns about the U.S. government's approach to debt and fiscal policy.
  3. Investors seem to be valuing flexibility over fixed returns, suggesting they want to avoid risks associated with long-term bonds in a fluctuating economy.

A map of my ignorance: Technostrategy and technofeudalism

Philosophy bear • 135 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Politics Technology Labor Economics Society
  1. Many jobs, especially those in offices, could be replaced by AI soon. This change might make it hard for workers to find jobs and could create a big gap in wealth between those who benefit from AI and those who don't.
  2. Workers may start resisting these changes as jobs disappear. How this resistance plays out depends on the speed of job loss and the workers' ability to unite against it.
  3. The future of work will also depend on political reactions to AI. There might be new political groups forming to oppose AI advancements, reshaping how society views labor and automation.

The Future of Finance: Substack’s Market Forecast Summit

Substack Blog • 93 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment Economics Market Trends Financial Independence
  1. Finance and business experts are increasingly sharing knowledge independently, as trust in traditional media decreases. This helps them build real connections with their audience.
  2. The Substack Market Forecast Summit will happen on January 31, where top finance minds will discuss investment strategies and economic trends for 2025.
  3. More finance professionals are using Substack to share their insights directly with subscribers, which offers investors better access to valuable information.