The hottest Economics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Sadiq Khan’s Techno Feudalism

The Free Mind • 1375 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Government Climate Technology Economics Society
  1. Sadiq Khan's plans reflect a clear long-term vision, gradually changing private car ownership and lifestyle expectations.
  2. Cities like London are aiming for radical changes by 2030 to combat global warming, pushing for zero meat, dairy, and limited clothing consumption.
  3. The concept of 'radical incrementalism' involves small changes leading to significant impacts in shifting public behavior, like the introduction of pay-per-mile road charging.

The Race to the Top in Six Charts and Not Too Many Numbers

Renewable Revolution • 279 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Energy Sustainability Technology Economics Policy
  1. China is currently the leader in clean technology innovation and manufacturing, having significantly increased its battery and solar production capacity. It also holds a majority share in global clean energy patents.
  2. All three main regions—China, Europe, and the U.S.—are rapidly deploying clean technologies like solar, wind, and electric vehicles, but China is ahead in terms of growth and scale.
  3. The U.S. and Europe are recognizing the need to catch up in this energy race, with investments in clean technologies expected to grow significantly in the coming years, indicating a shift towards competition.

The Middle Path for AI

Future History • 260 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Robotics Health tech Economics Data Privacy
  1. AI is already affecting our lives in many ways, like helping with healthcare and driving. It's important to realize that while it can do good things, it can also have negative outcomes.
  2. Instead of seeing the future as only good or bad, we should focus on a balanced view. Many things in life are grey, and understanding the middle ground helps us prepare better for what AI can and will do.
  3. Governments using AI for control and surveillance can be dangerous. While AI can help detect problems like health issues quickly, it can also invade privacy and create a society where people are constantly monitored.

Beware of Econ Grad School

In My Tribe • 956 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education Economics Career Advice Teaching Methods
  1. Econ grad school might not be the best choice if you're just curious about ideas. It's better to explore other careers that can satisfy that curiosity, like business.
  2. Many econ programs focus on teaching specific skills rather than encouraging discussions and new ideas. This can stifle your interest and creativity.
  3. You can learn a lot about economics on your own. Understanding basic concepts and real-world business behavior can be more valuable than fancy math techniques from grad school.

Top Links 539 Peru's blueberry boom. El Salvador's $1 billion US-backed loan & the legacy of migrant jails.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💰 Finance Investing Economics Loans Trade Market Trends
  1. Peru is seeing a big increase in blueberry production, which is good for its economy. Blueberries are becoming a popular export from the country.
  2. El Salvador has received a $1 billion loan from the US, which is aimed at improving economic conditions. This is part of a larger effort to support the country's development.
  3. There is ongoing discussion about the long-lasting effects of migrant jails. These facilities have complex legacies that affect many communities.
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There’s actually a good reason work is so family unfriendly

Sex and the State • 23 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Work Culture Corporate Responsibility Economics Fertility
  1. Work culture is not very friendly to families, which affects fertility rates. It often targets women as if they are the only ones responsible for family matters.
  2. Business strategies that claim to be 'family-friendly' are often not profitable, meaning companies may avoid them to keep costs down.
  3. Finding solutions for work-life balance really requires looking beyond just employer policies; it involves understanding broader economic trends and societal changes.

The FA Cup: Economic Snapshot of Football's Oldest Final

Original Football • 479 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🎾 Sports Economics Sponsorship
  1. The FA Cup is a significant financial powerhouse in football with around 90,000 fans attending and 500 million global viewers, showcasing tradition and economic impact.
  2. Television rights play a major revenue role for the FA Cup, with broadcasting deals like ESPN's extension in the US through 2028, a substantial source of income.
  3. Sponsorship is key for the FA Cup's financial success, as brands like Emirates have multi-million dollar deals, supporting various football initiatives and programs.

3 Trends I'd Never Bet Against: Lyn Alden

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 29 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Energy Economics Technology Trends
  1. Energy density is crucial for modern life and continues to power our economies. It supports everything from electricity to agriculture.
  2. High energy use has allowed technology and human population to grow, especially since the discovery of oil in the late 1800s.
  3. Despite renewable energy sources like wind and solar, we still need efficient, high-density energy sources to maintain economic strength and growth.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #21

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
💼 Business Economics Technology Energy Innovation Market Trends
  1. Google is making seven small nuclear reactors to power its AI data centers. This is a big step for clean energy in tech, aiming for carbon-free power by 2035.
  2. The US economy is doing really well compared to other rich countries. It's growing faster and has better output per person than places like Europe and Japan.
  3. SpaceX successfully caught a returning rocket in mid-air. This shows how technology can make amazing ideas a reality.

Top Links 552 Nasty bonds on underwater office buildings. Indian top earners in Germany. Avian flu & U.S. military food insecurity.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
💰 Finance Bonds Investment Economics Corporate Market Trends
  1. There are problematic bonds tied to office buildings that may not hold value. This means investors could face significant losses.
  2. There are many Indian professionals earning high salaries in Germany. This indicates a strong presence of Indian talent in the German job market.
  3. Avian flu is affecting food security for U.S. military personnel. This raises concerns about the availability of safe food for those in service.

How to say "the great reset" without saying "the great reset"

Tessa Fights Robots • 117 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Society Economics Culture Policy
  1. The world is changing rapidly, and there are new ways to talk about big ideas without using specific phrases.
  2. It's important to be aware of how we communicate these ideas to make sure our message is clear.
  3. Supporting creators and sharing their work helps them continue producing content, which is valuable for everyone.

Top Links 542 King coal. How Europe is still buying Russian gas. Big money is not speaking up for Harris & the Empresa de China.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Energy Policy Economics Geopolitics Environmental Issues
  1. Europe is still buying Russian gas despite the ongoing conflict, showing a complicated relationship with energy sources.
  2. Global coal consumption has hit record highs due to rising electricity demand around the world.
  3. There seems to be a lack of support from major investors for politicians like Harris and companies like Empresa de China.

Economics Links, 2/2/2025

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Sustainability Energy
  1. The rising 10-year Treasury yield means higher costs for government debt and could hurt stock prices as investors change their expectations.
  2. Traders need to be careful with market momentum, as it can shift unexpectedly, leading to losses when everyone stops buying at high prices.
  3. Renewable energy projects face high costs to connect to the grid, and large battery systems have limitations, raising questions about their reliability.

Trump tariffs won’t easily derail euro zone recovery

Klement on Investing • 1 implied HN point • 17 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Economics Trade Policy Tariffs
  1. The euro zone is recovering and won’t be heavily impacted by US tariffs. Economists expect slow growth but not a major setback.
  2. There’s confusion about VAT as it’s treated like a sales tax that doesn't favor EU goods over US products.
  3. Even with these tariffs, US can claim a win without causing high inflation in their economy.

More on Altruism

David Friedman’s Substack • 80 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Altruism Theories Economics
  1. People don't always act the way we expect when it comes to charity. For example, if you get a raise, you might donate more, but real donors often don't follow this theory and may change their donations based on their feelings instead.
  2. Folk songs often show a preference for marrying for beauty over wealth, suggesting that beauty is seen as noble. However, this often creates tension and even tragedy in the story, revealing complex social dynamics.
  3. Being in love might be related to altruism since loving someone can lead to wanting what’s best for them. But love can also involve mixed feelings, which makes it unclear how altruism plays a role in romantic relationships.

The Physiocratic Platform: Tariffs

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1153 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Tax policy Economics Trade policy National Security
  1. Tariffs can help raise money for government services, especially for defense and border security. By applying a uniform tariff on imported goods, it aims to make the tax system fairer for everyone involved.
  2. Historically, high tariffs were essential for the growth of the U.S. economy and protecting local industries. Examples from the past show that many countries successfully used tariffs to develop their manufacturing sectors.
  3. While tariffs might increase the cost of living, they can also boost domestic production and potentially lead to higher wages. The idea is that by protecting local jobs, the overall economy can become stronger.

Brilliant Simplicity

David Friedman’s Substack • 242 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🚌 Education Economics Science Philosophy Mathematics History
  1. Brilliant individuals can contribute to knowledge in two main ways: through challenging, complex work and by highlighting simple ideas that others may overlook. Simple ideas often seem obvious once recognized.
  2. Examples like the median voter theorem and Coase's theories show how simple concepts can explain complex phenomena, such as election outcomes or the functioning of firms, making them essential in economics.
  3. Even in biology, like Darwin's theory of evolution, simple ideas can lead to significant insights, changing how we understand life and its development over time.

Ski Lift Pricing and the Lessons from Vail’s Challenge

Gad’s Newsletter • 70 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Pricing Labor Operations Strategy
  1. Skiing in the U.S. is becoming very expensive and often feels exclusive. Many ski resorts focus on making money rather than being inclusive to all skiers.
  2. The Epic Pass has changed how skiing works by giving access to multiple resorts. However, this has led to long wait times and overcrowded slopes, making the skiing experience less enjoyable.
  3. In Europe, ski resorts are often more affordable and competitive, allowing more people to enjoy skiing. This makes skiing feel less like a luxury and more accessible for everyone.

Top Links 545 “Restructuring” Bangladeshi banks. Hurricane Helen’s impact on unemployment. High-speed trading & a fracking good time.

Chartbook • 286 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💰 Finance Banking Economics Unemployment Trading Investment
  1. Bangladeshi banks are going through a big restructuring. This could change the way they operate and help improve their services.
  2. Hurricane Helene had a significant effect on unemployment rates. Many people lost their jobs because of the hurricane's impact.
  3. High-speed trading continues to play a lively role in the financial markets. It’s a fast-paced area that creates both opportunities and challenges.

The Battle Between The Inner Life and The Outer Life

Sparks from Culture by David Roberts • 1179 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Economics Society Philosophy History
  1. Modern American capitalism has constrained many lives, leading to angst and a pursuit of more slow-paced lives.
  2. E.M. Forster's 'Howards End' explores the conflict between inner and outer ways of life, highlighting the impact of capitalism on personal relations and daily duties.
  3. There is resistance to hyper-capitalism in modern America, with a growing push for a slower life, nature, and emphasis on inner values.

Retiring Retirement

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Retirement Finance Workforce Economics Pensions
  1. The old idea of retiring at a fixed age is outdated as people are living longer and healthier lives. Instead of stopping work completely, we might consider blending work and leisure throughout our lives.
  2. It's important to take charge of our financial futures by saving separately and planning for our expenses when we stop traditional work. Building financial independence can help us make choices based on what we truly want.
  3. Finding work that is fulfilling and matches our values can make us not want to retire in the traditional sense. The goal is to create a life where work feels meaningful instead of just a job to escape from.

Premier League Money: The Economics of Winning, Relegation and Promotion

Original Football • 459 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎾 Sports Soccer Economics Competition Finance
  1. Winning the Premier League not only brings glory but also substantial financial rewards through broadcasting revenue and merit payments.
  2. Relegation from the Premier League can have severe financial consequences for clubs, leading to reduced revenue and parachute payments to soften the impact.
  3. Clubs in the Championship strive for promotion to the Premier League due to the financial windfall it brings, especially through the lucrative Championship Playoff Final.

My 2nd-Favorite Book on Housing

Bet On It • 135 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Housing Policy Economics Science fiction
  1. The book 'Home Win' is a creative look at housing policy through science fiction, imagining how Britain could solve its housing crisis in the next decade.
  2. It points out that Britain has not been building enough houses, often due to restrictive planning laws that hamper development in comparison to other countries.
  3. The story highlights a shift in politics, where a pro-development movement called YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) gains traction, pushing back against NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitudes and leading to more housing construction.

The Rich Get Richer and the Deplorables Pay for the Bailout

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2299 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Policy Government Inflation Bailout
  1. Rich hedge fund managers and venture capitalists are profiting while the Deplorables in MAGA Land suffer economically.
  2. Biden's regime is bailing out the US banking sector, burdening the Deplorables with trillions in debt and fueling inflation.
  3. Biden's policies, such as canceling pipelines and excessive government spending, are contributing to cost-push and demand-pull inflation, creating stagflationary forces.

Tariffs are a necessary tool in the trade arsenal

The Dossier • 181 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economics Government International relations Negotiation
  1. Tariffs can be an important tool for negotiating better trade deals. They act as a bargaining chip that can encourage countries to agree to more favorable terms.
  2. Having the option to use tariffs is similar to keeping nuclear weapons for defense. It creates a stronger position and may deter other nations from unfair practices.
  3. Recent threats of tariffs from U.S. leaders have prompted other countries to open discussions, showing that the threat of tariffs can lead to positive negotiations.

The End of Coffee

OK Doomer • 178 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Economics Culture Climate Health
  1. By 2050, scientists predict that coffee may not be available like it is today because of climate change. Countries that grow most of the world's coffee are facing droughts and weather problems.
  2. Coffee is important in our daily lives, both as a comforting drink and as a part of our culture. It's also been shown to boost our mood and attention.
  3. The rising prices and production issues for coffee show how climate change can affect even the smallest things we love. It's a reminder to think about how our habits might change in the future.

Economics Links, 1/25/2025

In My Tribe • 410 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Data Analysis Political Economy
  1. Many experts believe that relying on government decisions can be inefficient because it often favors those with political power instead of addressing real needs.
  2. Inequality is a natural part of society, and efforts to eliminate it through government action can lead to problems, including promoting wokeness.
  3. Economic data can often be misleading due to measurement errors, making it hard to trust figures that inform important decisions like GDP or monetary policies.

Canada Fires First Salvo In US/Canada Trade War, Ruining Trump's Inauguration.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade Relations Policy Economics
  1. Canada has taken actions that seem to start a trade war with the U.S., which could create tension between the two countries.
  2. The situation surrounding this trade dispute impacted a major event, leading to Trump's inauguration being held indoors.
  3. These developments suggest that international relations can directly affect important political ceremonies and events.

The 49-Year Unicorn Backlog🦄, AI has a gross margin problem🤖, The Path to CFO📚

The VC Corner • 379 implied HN points • 26 May 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Finance Economics Management
  1. There is a significant backlog of unicorn startups that have yet to go public. This may impact the market's dynamics.
  2. Artificial Intelligence is facing challenges with its gross margins. Companies need to find ways to improve profitability as costs rise.
  3. There are clear steps and paths for finance professionals aiming to become CFOs. Understanding the necessary skills and experiences is crucial for career advancement.

LECTURE NOTES: 1.1. What the History of Economic Growth Is

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 199 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🚌 Education Economics History Lectures Learning University
  1. Economic growth has a long history, with most of it being slow until a major change around 1870. Before then, people lived with little advancement in their living standards for centuries.
  2. Reliable data about economies was mostly unavailable before the 19th century. This makes it hard to understand past living conditions or wealth distribution.
  3. Many technological advancements didn't lead to better lives for common people until recently. Before 1870, despite progress, most still struggled with poverty and poor living conditions.

Tiktok Versus Econ 101

From the New World • 32 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Economics International relations Social media
  1. Bytedance has not sold TikTok despite pressure and a law requiring it to do so. This uncertainty could significantly drop the company's value.
  2. The Chinese government might see TikTok as valuable for its ability to gather data and influence opinions, which could outweigh financial gains from a sale.
  3. If TikTok is forced to sell, there may be concerns about hidden data management practices and potential risks of Chinese access to user information.

The age of the sovereign creator

Substack • 1289 implied HN points • 23 May 24
💼 Business Media Economics Entrepreneurship Technology Digital marketing
  1. The rise of independent creators is changing how we think about online content. Unlike before, creators can now build direct relationships with their audiences and earn money without relying on advertising.
  2. Aggregation theory explains how big platforms control the flow of information and can limit creators. However, new models like Substack empower creators by giving them ownership of their content and audience.
  3. The future will likely see more creators moving away from traditional platforms. They'll use these big platforms for exposure while focusing on their own channels, where they can maintain control and earn more.

Happy Thanksgiving Semicap & Semiconductors

Mule’s Musings • 141 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Finance Markets Investment Technology
  1. Export controls in the semiconductor industry can create good buying opportunities. It's a chance for investors to think strategically.
  2. The semiconductor market is influenced by various factors, and understanding these can help in making informed decisions.
  3. Staying updated on industry news is essential for anyone interested in semiconductors, especially during significant events like Thanksgiving.