The hottest Economics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

What's Beyond Neoliberalism?

Castalia • 799 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. Neoliberalism has shaped our world in a way that many people don't fully understand, but it connects security and markets to help economies work well globally.
  2. There are areas of life, like art and community, where the values of neoliberalism don’t fit, and we can find better worth and meaning outside of market measures.
  3. It's possible for individuals and creatives to live fulfilling lives without being just parts of the market, focusing on personal value and authentic expression instead.

The Minds of Economists

Bastiat's Window • 609 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Understanding the minds of economists shapes their work and vision.
  2. Economic thinking leads to humanizing perspectives and ethical considerations.
  3. There is often a contrast between the economic principles known and actual behavior.

Life is Too Short to Wash and Dry

Bet On It • 644 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🏝 Travel Economics
  1. Using disposable plates and utensils can save a lot of time on washing dishes. It's way easier to throw them away instead of cleaning up every meal.
  2. Electric dryers are a big time-saver compared to air-drying clothes. It takes a lot of extra effort to manage drying racks and prevent mildewing.
  3. Enjoying more free time is often better than sticking to traditional ways of doing chores. You can trade a little quality for a lot more fun in life.

Is this the secret plan to build HS2 to Manchester?

Odds and Ends of History • 737 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. HS2 has been delayed, pushing its opening date to likely between 2036 and 2039. Problems with timelines and costs have caused this setback.
  2. Former Crossrail CEO Mark Wild is now in charge of HS2 and is working on resetting the project to get it back on track.
  3. There may be some hope for the HS2 leg to Manchester, which was cancelled, as new developments suggest it could be revived.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Against the Factory Farming of Creativity

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1544 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. The rise of AI in creativity can make it hard to trust what's real. Many people now question if an artwork or a piece of writing is made by a human or a machine.
  2. Generative AI systems often simply copy styles instead of creating unique works. This can dilute the personal stories and emotions behind the art, making it feel less authentic.
  3. There’s a growing push for an 'AI-Free' label, similar to fair trade, to signify work that comes from genuine human creativity instead of machine-generated content.

Ray Dalio: Great Disorder in Next 18 Months

cryptoeconomy • 1159 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Ray Dalio warns of great disorder in the next 18 months due to economic concerns
  2. Dalio is particularly worried about soaring debt, inflation, wealth gaps, and potential for world war
  3. The role of government, including central banks and their impact on debt, inflation, and inequality, is seen as a key driver of potential crisis

What if the Dollar Falls?

cryptoeconomy • 1139 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The US Dollar losing its global reserve currency status would be catastrophic for the American economy.
  2. A collapsing US Dollar could lead to double-digit inflation and impact Americans' daily lives.
  3. Foreigners selling off dollar-denominated assets could trigger mass bankruptcies and economic turmoil.

Top Links 832 How Gen Alpha influences US consumption. Lithography the final frontier of manufacturing. Iran's heatwave and living in Arcadia.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 17 Aug 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Generation Alpha is changing how people in the US shop and consume goods. Their preferences may reshape the market for many years ahead.
  2. Lithography is emerging as a key manufacturing process that could transform industries. It's exciting to see how it might impact technology and production.
  3. Iran is facing extreme heat, which affects daily life. Understanding this climate challenge is important for both local and global discussions.

PCE and the *Supercore* Inflation Reading

The Informationist • 1120 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. PCE is a monthly inflation measure that tracks consumer spending on goods and services.
  2. PCE methodology differs from CPI in coverage, methodology, and population coverage.
  3. Supercore PCE Deflator, preferred by the Fed, removes food, energy, gas, electricity, and housing from core inflation readings.

Doing My Part to Raise R*

The Overshoot • 1120 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
💼 Business Economics
  1. Interest rates have been low due to various social challenges.
  2. Decrease in population growth leads to lower interest rates.
  3. Encouraging fathers to take parental leave can benefit both men and women in the workplace.

Top Links 810 The shape of globalization. MAGA's parallel economy. Balochistan and thinking about 危机。

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 25 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Trade uncertainty has increased a lot, making it harder to predict economic trends. This uncertainty can affect businesses and investors worldwide.
  2. Global imports are holding steady and not falling, but they aren't getting larger compared to the overall economy either. This means that trade is stable, but not growing as it used to.
  3. The map of globalization shows changing patterns and connections between countries. This can help us understand how economies interact today.

Top Links 828 Cocoa smuggling. From radical to neo-Nazi. "Your darkness" & Pop goes the Easel.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
📰 News Economics
  1. Cocoa smuggling is a significant issue affecting the chocolate industry, highlighting global supply chain challenges.
  2. There are discussions about radical groups and how their ideologies can evolve into more extreme forms like neo-Nazism.
  3. Wage growth for low-wage workers in the US has sharply decreased, meaning workers have less power to negotiate better pay.

Yes, Kevin Hassett Would Be a Very Bed Fed Chair

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 453 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Kevin Hassett is seen as untrustworthy because he often promotes misleading or false information for personal gain. People believe he shouldn't be in a position of power like the Federal Reserve Chair.
  2. In the past, Hassett made bold claims about the stock market that turned out to be incorrect. This history makes many economists skeptical of his insights.
  3. Despite his controversial reputation, Hassett has continued to maintain a career in politics, which suggests that some influential people appreciate his willingness to say whatever suits their interests.

The Bear Cave #281

The Bear Cave • 559 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Eutelsat Communications is facing challenges as it falls behind competitors like Starlink. A report suggests that its stock might drop significantly due to these problems and high debt.
  2. Several high-level resignations in companies like Krispy Kreme and Children's Place indicate instability in their management. Frequent changes in leadership can raise concerns about a company's performance.
  3. AI is changing the advertising world, making it tougher for agencies to keep up. As businesses turn to AI for creative solutions, traditional ad agencies might see low growth and reduced income.

Quick note on housing and family formation

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Falling marriage rates explain much of the drop in young homeownership, but a large share of 25–34-year-olds are now living as non-heads of household instead of forming independent households.
  2. The bigger issue is a severe housing shortage—roughly 15–20 million missing units—that has driven about 50% cumulative excess rent inflation and kept roughly 7 million young adults from forming households.
  3. Housing affordability should be seen as a symptom of supply problems, so removing barriers to building more homes would lower rents and make it easier for young adults to form households and families.

The Great Rebalancing

Concoda • 513 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. The U.S. Treasury is focusing on making the bond market stable instead of pushing political goals. This means they might hold back on issuing long-term debt for a while.
  2. Many global investors are interested in buying short-term U.S. debt, which is seen as safer. The demand is so high that the U.S. Federal Reserve may start purchasing more to keep the market in balance.
  3. There are ongoing changes in how the Federal Reserve manages its assets, which could affect interest rates and availability of cash in the banking system.

Banks banks banks (redux)

Yet Another Value Blog • 1022 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
💰 Finance Economics
  1. If you're looking at banks below tangible book value, you don't need to worry much about hidden disasters on their balance sheets.
  2. Even though there are concerns like a potential commercial real estate crisis or a recession, banks seem well-prepared and overcapitalized.
  3. Rising interest rates could actually make banks more profitable due to their interest rate sensitivity.

The Big Experiement

Points And Figures • 479 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. The new trade deal with the EU has increased tariffs on imports from Europe, which could lead to higher prices for American consumers.
  2. Some European manufacturers will invest heavily in the U.S., which might create jobs here but could cost jobs in Europe.
  3. While the deal may benefit European consumers by reducing their tariffs, it's uncertain how it will impact American jobs or consumer prices in the long run.

Where Steve Jurvetson Sees Dead Companies

The Geek Way • 399 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Software proficiency is crucial in modern business - companies need to adapt and iterate quickly to stay competitive.
  2. Legacy companies face challenges in transitioning to modern software practices and may struggle to keep up with agile competitors.
  3. The 'geek way' of upgrading a company involves more than just technology - it extends to decision-making, culture, and overall organizational strategy.

What The Freemium!?

Elena's Growth Scoop • 1061 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
💼 Business Economics
  1. Freemium is an intentional business strategy that must be carefully constructed.
  2. Freemium is about offering a limited version of a product for free while charging for additional features.
  3. The goal of freemium is to attract users and build an engaged base that can convert to paid customers.

How Will Financial Scams Affect Big Business in 2025?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1326 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Financial scams are expected to impact big businesses in various ways by 2025. Companies will need to be more aware of these risks.
  2. There will be discussions on how different sectors, like private equity and tech, handle these scams. These sectors are likely to face unique challenges.
  3. A virtual summit is happening where experts will talk about these trends and share insights. It's a chance for everyone to learn and ask questions.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

Jon’s Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Tech stocks have faced some tough times lately, with a drop in the NASDAQ 100. Investors are cautious and waiting to see how major companies perform in their earnings reports.
  2. During election years, financial and tech stocks typically do well, showing good returns. This trend is backed by past market behaviors where these sectors get investor attention.
  3. Investing in copper appears shaky right now due to issues in China’s property market, but experts still believe in its long-term potential, especially linked to renewable energy needs.

Dishoom's $400m Restaurant Playbook

SatPost by Trung Phan • 148 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Dishoom's unique marketing strategy involves gamifying the dining experience, like letting customers roll dice for a chance to win a free meal. This adds excitement and encourages more people to visit during peak times.
  2. The restaurant blends rich cultural influences from Bombay's Irani cafés with modern dining, making it a middle ground between casual curry houses and high-end Michelin-star restaurants. This allows Dishoom to appeal to a broad range of customers.
  3. Dishoom's approach to expanding includes maintaining quality and the dining experience as core priorities, showing that focus on customer satisfaction can lead to significant growth in sales and popularity.

The Stone Soup Theory of Billionaires

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1743 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics
  1. Billionaires aren't the only ones who create big companies; they often stand out as focal points, while many workers and contributors help build the actual business. It's like the Stone Soup story, where one person starts a project, but it takes many others to make it successful.
  2. The economy works as a collective where everyone contributes and receives based on their input. Just like making soup, if you bring ingredients, you get to enjoy the final product, and if many people pitch in, the result is better for everyone.
  3. Billionaires often claim credit for creating jobs, but in reality, their wealth relies on the hard work of countless others. The billionaire benefits from workers who do the real labor, much like the Stone Souper who needs villagers to make the soup.

Nativism is going to wreck the tech economy

Alex's Personal Blog • 164 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. Nativism in U.S. politics may hurt the tech economy by limiting high-skill immigration, which is crucial for growth and innovation. This could lead to tech companies hiring less domestic talent and more workers from abroad.
  2. AI is affecting the job market negatively, especially for new graduates. More entry-level jobs are disappearing, making it harder for young people to find work and pay off student loans.
  3. Despite concerns about economic weakness, investment interest in tech startups, especially in AI, remains strong. Companies like Cursor are raising large amounts of capital, indicating that the tech sector may still have opportunities for growth.

Justin Yifu Lin warns U.S. AI bubble will burst in 5 years, causing another international crisis

Pekingnology • 120 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics
  1. Experts believe the AI boom in the U.S. could lead to a financial crisis, similar to what happened in 2008. If the AI bubble bursts, it could have a big impact on the global economy.
  2. China is encouraged to change its economic policies to boost growth. By investing more in technology and infrastructure, China can improve its economy and overcome challenges from the U.S.
  3. Some common beliefs about China's slow growth, like blaming state-owned companies or an aging population, are seen as misunderstandings. The real issues are weak global demand and restrictive technology access from the U.S.

Top Links 824 Ukrainian bonds. Talking about currencies. Rebuilding The Kingdom & The Men of 1924.

Chartbook • 414 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
💰 Finance Economics
  1. Ukrainian bonds are gaining value, rising from 62 to 67 cents on the dollar recently. This shows that investors are hopeful about peace and economic recovery in Ukraine.
  2. Discussing currencies can help people understand how money works and influences the economy. Learning about different currencies is important for making informed financial decisions.
  3. Rebuilding efforts and historical perspectives can shape how a country develops. Looking back at events like those in 1924 can provide insights into current challenges and opportunities.

✨ The AI economy is here

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. The use of AI is growing quickly in big companies like Amazon, which may lead to fewer jobs in some areas but could create new opportunities in others as tasks change.
  2. Top tech companies like Meta and OpenAI are competing fiercely for AI talent, offering huge salaries to attract skilled workers, showing how valuable this expertise is.
  3. Overall, AI is changing how work gets done, leading to job losses in repetitive tasks but also creating new roles and increasing productivity for skilled workers.

Transportation

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. Transportation innovations drive economic growth. When new methods of moving people and goods are created, like trains and planes, they change how society operates.
  2. Driverless vehicles are becoming popular and safer. They've already shown better accident rates compared to traditional cars, which could lead to lower insurance costs.
  3. The future of transportation is influenced by energy needs for new technologies. As we innovate, we'll require more energy sources, highlighting the potential role of nuclear power as we move forward.

The 3 pm blackout is a cartel move and you're all being had

Grace on Football • 1022 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Economics
  1. The 3 pm blackout in English football prevents TV broadcasting to protect attendance, but it may not be justifiable.
  2. Supporters of the blackout rely on the status quo and need to prove its positive impact on attendance and fan support.
  3. The blackout benefits Premier League's financial interests by limiting TV broadcast to maintain higher demand and value.

Notes on Reading: Who Gets What and Why (Part 1)

Nonsense on Stilts • 79 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
🚌 Education Economics
  1. Matching markets are about people choosing each other rather than just buying and selling. This can include markets for jobs, schools, and even dating.
  2. In these markets, people's choices depend on each other's preferences, which can lead to complex situations. For example, if one person wants to team up with another, their choice might rely on who that second person prefers.
  3. People often lie about their preferences in matching markets to seem more appealing. This can lead to a situation where no one believes what others say, but it's a common behavior to improve chances of getting good matches.

Capitalist strategy when capital doesn't need capitalists anymore

Philosophy bear • 171 implied HN points • 08 Nov 25
💼 Business Economics
  1. As technology advances, it might become possible to automate capital management just like labor, possibly making the role of capitalists unnecessary.
  2. If automation leads to widespread job loss, people may push for the state to take control of capital to ensure fair access to resources and prevent democratic instability.
  3. Capitalists might try various strategies to protect their assets and power, but this could lead to increased tensions and challenges in society.

Top Links 805 AI's mega-scale. The Diderot effect and China's Southeast Asian mega projects.

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Economics
  1. AI is growing rapidly and needs a lot of energy to operate effectively. It's important to consider the environmental impact of this technology.
  2. The Diderot effect shows how buying one new thing can lead to wanting more things, which can influence consumer behavior.
  3. China is investing heavily in large projects in Southeast Asia, which could change the region's economy and infrastructure significantly.

Ruble, Rubble, Death Spiral

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🌍 World Politics Economics
  1. Russia is facing a financial crisis due to a sharp drop in oil prices and reduced exports. This has made it difficult for them to fund their military operations and keep the economy stable.
  2. Ukraine is actively targeting Russian shipping routes to disrupt their oil exports. This strategy not only impacts Russia's income but also serves as a psychological tactic against the Russian public.
  3. With many skilled workers leaving Russia and international isolation tightening, the country's currency is weakening. This causes increasing economic pressure on the government, making it harder for them to maintain control.

Dar es Salaam

Splattern • 99 implied HN points • 30 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Economics
  1. Giving to those in need is important. We often give more money to those who already have money, but the real help should go to those who really need it, like the sick and hungry.
  2. Life in Dar es Salaam is chaotic but vibrant. People interact freely and share laughter amidst the hustle of busy streets, showing a unique sense of community.
  3. Experiencing nightlife in Tanzania can be liberating. The carefree atmosphere allows people to dance and have fun without the same pressures found in nightclubs elsewhere.