The hottest Economy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Media's Mental Gymnastics Before Election Day

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1159 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Elections Public Opinion Political Commentary Economy
  1. The media often interprets statements from public figures differently depending on their political stance. They might exaggerate comments from one side while downplaying those from another.
  2. There have been significant issues with job growth lately, with reports showing a very low number of jobs created. Most of the new jobs have been in government, which doesn't help the overall economy much.
  3. As the election approaches, media coverage tends to focus on distractions instead of important economic issues. This affects how voters perceive the situation.

VINDICATED! (sadly). The govt can no longer hide the decline in jobs

COVID Reason • 812 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Employment Economy Government Labor Market Public Policy
  1. Job losses in the private sector are alarming, with 28,000 jobs lost, especially in manufacturing and retail. This shows a real problem in the economy.
  2. Government jobs increased by 40,000, which may cover up serious issues in other job sectors. This is a sign the economy isn't as strong as it looks.
  3. The labor force is shrinking, with many not participating anymore and unemployment rising. This trend is not sustainable and needs urgent attention.

How Trump will actually turn America into the 'garbage can of the world'

The Signorile Report • 1478 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Economy Policy Government Media
  1. If Trump wins, he may give Elon Musk the power to cut $2 trillion in federal spending, which could hurt many Americans by affecting key programs like Social Security and Medicare.
  2. Companies are getting ready to raise prices due to Trump's planned tariffs on foreign goods, which could add to inflation just as it starts to ease.
  3. Overall, Trump's policies might undo the strong economy built during Biden's presidency, potentially turning the U.S. into a less favorable place for everyday people.

Trump's economy is already in trouble

Noahpinion • 22765 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Policy Debt Inflation Presidential politics
  1. The economy often struggles under Republican presidents, leading to a pattern where Democrats are elected to fix it. This cycle shows that economies tend to recover when Democrats take over.
  2. Trump's incoming policies might worsen inflation and not help the economy, despite some indicators suggesting the economy is strong. This could lead to significant economic disappointment.
  3. The national debt is becoming a serious concern again as interest rates rise. This makes paying off that debt much more expensive than before, impacting the government's finances.

In the Light of Victory, He Himself Shall Disappear

The Intrinsic Perspective • 11333 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Employment Innovation Society Economy
  1. AI is changing the job landscape quickly. Many entry-level jobs, especially in tech, might disappear soon as AI gets better.
  2. Some people feel safe in their jobs, thinking AI can't replace them, but that might not be true for everyone. Many workers could end up feeling like outdated lamplighters.
  3. Progress often comes with loss. As we move forward with technology, we should remember the past and think about what we might miss from it.
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"The Global Fertility Crisis is Worse than You Think"

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2159 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demography Policy Economy Population Global trends
  1. Fertility rates are dropping globally, and it's happening faster than expected. This decline is seen in both wealthy and poorer countries.
  2. Many countries' fertility rates have fallen below the replacement rate required to sustain their populations. This means that if it continues, the world's population will eventually shrink drastically.
  3. Experts are concerned that the global fertility crisis could lead to significant economic and social issues in the future, making it a serious issue that might need international attention.

Trudeau was a poor steward of Canada's economy

Noahpinion • 22118 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Leadership Immigration Public Policy
  1. Trudeau's government struggled to improve Canada's economy, especially with inflation and low business investments. Many Canadians felt disappointed as they saw little change during his leadership.
  2. There was a notable shift in public opinion about immigration in Canada under Trudeau, with concerns over housing and integration rising. As a result, many Canadians became less supportive of high immigration rates.
  3. Canada's economic growth didn't keep up with other countries, notably the U.S., since Trudeau took office. Many believe this issue stems from long-term problems with productivity and investment that were not effectively addressed by his administration.

Ads Are Coming to AI and None of Us Are Ready

Big Technology • 5379 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💼 Business Advertising Marketing Technology Economy AI
  1. Generative AI advertising has huge potential but also carries big risks. It could change how brands interact with consumers and what they promise.
  2. Advertising needs to be transparent and beneficial for users to keep their trust. If done poorly, it can ruin the user experience on platforms.
  3. Quality content and trusted publishers are vital for generative AI. They should be valued more to ensure that AI systems provide accurate and relevant information.

Infographics: Centrally Cleared U.S. Treasury Market Flows

Concoda • 178 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Trading Investments Economy Monetary Policy
  1. The U.S. Treasury market uses a central counterparty to manage trades. This helps ensure that transactions are processed smoothly and securely.
  2. Understanding the flow of money in the U.S. Treasury market is important for seeing how the economy functions. It gives insights into larger financial trends.
  3. Infographics can help simplify complex information about the Treasury market, making it easier to understand for everyone. Visuals often make learning about finance more accessible.

Why I still believe in HS2

Odds and Ends of History • 2278 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Infrastructure Transport Policy Economy Public Opinion
  1. HS2 is important for connecting cities quickly and improving transportation. Finishing the railway is seen as essential for the country's future.
  2. Even though the project has faced delays and rising costs, stopping it now would mean losing valuable benefits that HS2 could bring.
  3. Investing in HS2 will help relieve pressure on existing train lines, allowing for more local services and better freight transport, which is crucial for overall infrastructure.

Spreadsheet, Not Skynet: Microdoses, Not Microprocessors

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Economy Data Innovation Impact
  1. AI tools like GPT are not as powerful as some say; they're more like useful spreadsheets than super intelligent machines. This means their impact on the economy is real but not world-changing.
  2. The benefits of AI on human welfare will be positive but limited. It's important to use AI wisely and not let it distract us.
  3. AI models are great for processing language, but they aren't complex enough to be truly revolutionary. They function similarly to simple input-output machines rather than groundbreaking technologies.

The best-case scenario for Trump's second term

Noahpinion • 33706 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policies Trump Economy
  1. The economy could keep growing, leading to better wages for workers. If Trump doesn't interfere too much, this growth might continue.
  2. Political unrest may decrease, as many people seem tired of constant outrage. Americans might become more chill and tune out extreme movements on both sides.
  3. Trump might keep some successful policies from Biden while making adjustments. This could boost American industry without causing a lot of controversy.

The Lamplighter Problem

Jeff Giesea • 718 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Automation Labor Economy Politics
  1. AI is likely to displace a huge number of jobs, similar to how lamplighters lost their roles when electric lights came in. We need to prepare for these changes now to help people transition to new work.
  2. The Lamplighter Problem shows us that job loss due to automation is not just an economic issue but also a political and social one. If we don’t address it, it could lead to bigger problems in society.
  3. There are different opinions on how to handle the rise of AI. Some people think we should slow down and reconsider, while others want to speed up its development. We need to find a balanced approach that helps everyone.

Stablecoin Wildcat-Bank Roulette: The Genius Act Gambles with America’s Money

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 292 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
💰 Finance Banking Investments Cryptocurrency Regulation Economy
  1. Congress is considering allowing companies to create their own currencies through stablecoins, which could lead to financial chaos like what happened in the past.
  2. There are concerns that regulators may struggle to manage the many stablecoins that could flood the market, posing a risk to the economy.
  3. Instead of issuing more currencies, a better approach might be to adopt practices from the European Union to focus on reducing fees and helping consumers without overloading regulators.

An inflection point for the Creator Economy

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 698 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Media Advertising Economy Content creation Digital Strategy
  1. The Creator Economy is changing fast, with ads from creators expected to beat traditional media revenue soon. This means that creator-made content could start to look just like what we're used to from big media companies.
  2. There's a new trend in entertainment called microdramas, which are short, quick stories told in one-minute parts. They seem like silly fun, but they're drawing in big audiences and money.
  3. Publishers need to stop relying so much on Google for traffic because it's steadily decreasing. It's time for them to focus on building loyal audiences instead of chasing search engine rankings.

The Formula for the Future

Faster, Please! • 1096 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Innovation Economy Technology Progress
  1. America's future depends on three key things: strong information processing, abundant energy, and economic freedom. These elements can help society grow and innovate.
  2. Regulatory barriers often slow down progress and innovation. To keep moving forward, it's important to take calculated risks instead of playing it safe.
  3. Embracing technology and overcoming bureaucracy can create a cycle of improvement. More energy and innovation can lead to a better future for everyone.

Everything Feels Like It Doesn't Make Sense

Kyla’s Newsletter • 320 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Protests Disinformation Technology Economy Social media
  1. Our lives are filled with contradictions, where technology promises a better future but the reality feels chaotic. We need to recognize the gap between the ideal futures promised by AI and the struggles we face today.
  2. AI and social media are often misaligned, causing disinformation while claiming to help us. This shows how the tools intended to connect us can also create confusion and frustration.
  3. The stories we tell ourselves about progress can ignore the very real human costs. It's important to see and acknowledge the work and lives behind the technology and systems that support our convenience.

Top Links 764 The assault on foreign students in the US. The Palantir bubble & the Norman Conquest.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Education Immigration Economy Governance
  1. Foreign students are facing challenges in the US, which could impact a major part of the economy. This could change how international education works.
  2. There is a mention of the 'Palantir bubble', suggesting concerns about overvalued tech companies. It's a warning about the risks in the tech market.
  3. The reference to the 'Norman Conquest' might draw parallels between past events and current issues, hinting at significant social or political shifts.

Pretty Stable

The Transcript • 59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economy Consumer spending Monetary Policy Deficits Inflation
  1. The US economy is doing well with steady consumer spending and healthy household finances. People are still buying, even if the growth rate is slower than last year.
  2. There is a strong demand for jobs, especially for those with college degrees. Many companies are looking to hire, but the unemployment rate for skilled positions is still very low.
  3. The upcoming presidential election is creating some uncertainty in the markets. Once it's over, people expect a better outlook for economic policies.

Thinking about "temporary hardship"

Noahpinion • 12823 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Deficits Government Public Policy
  1. The US economy is doing well, but the government has high borrowing and deficits that need to be addressed. People are worried about rising interest costs eating into the budget.
  2. Elon Musk is suggesting big cuts to federal spending to help reduce the deficit, which could lead to temporary economic hardship for many. This has raised questions about how much pain people might actually feel if these cuts happen.
  3. There's a debate over the best way to handle spending cuts and taxes. Some believe there are better methods to manage these changes without causing so much impact on everyday people, especially the poor and middle class.

TGIF: It All Comes Out

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4915 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Elections Economy Policy Media
  1. Melania Trump is promoting Christmas ornaments this year, showcasing her designs and emphasizing their patriotic theme. This may hint at a future where political events are paired with merchandise.
  2. Janet Yellen has acknowledged that the U.S. is facing a significant deficit, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility. She suggests that future spending needs to be more careful to manage this debt.
  3. There’s criticism regarding recent government spending, particularly on student loan forgiveness, which some believe primarily benefits wealthier individuals. This has sparked debate about fiscal sustainability.

Confessions of a Highly Insensitive Person

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 855 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🎭️ Culture Mental health Social Issues Economy Media Identity
  1. Many people feel special because they have mental health labels, but this can lead to misunderstandings about what they're really experiencing. It's important to recognize that not all feelings need a diagnosis.
  2. Some people believe expressing struggles is good, but it can be hard to balance that with the need to stay grounded. Everyone's journey with their own issues is different and valid.
  3. Criticism often comes when discussing mental health and how it's talked about in society. Engaging in these conversations can stir strong reactions from others, highlighting a divide in perspectives.

Is Donald Trump Losing His Mojo?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 210 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trump Politics Economy Trade Public Opinion
  1. People are noticing small wins lately since big achievements are hard to come by. It shows that sometimes you have to celebrate the little things.
  2. Trump is being linked to tacos in a funny way due to his trade decisions. This light-hearted connection has sparked some positive feelings about him.
  3. Many feel weary of bad trade ideas, fearing more economic strain. People want to avoid paying higher prices for things because of poor decisions.

So... When Does The Economy Crash?

OK Doomer • 191 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economy Market Trends Investments Economic Policy
  1. Many experts are predicting an economic crash, but no one knows exactly when it will happen. People are worried about the potential impact of technology and global events.
  2. A lot of individuals are tied to their investments, making it hard for them to react quickly to market changes. Most people can't just sell off their stocks easily because of employer-based retirement plans.
  3. There’s a mix of genuine concern and opportunism in the market around impending crashes, with some people genuinely preparing and others just trying to sell fear-based products.

✨ The Age of AI, an update: A Quick Q&A with … economist Michael Strain

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Productivity Economy Workforce
  1. Generative AI has the potential to change how businesses work and boost productivity, but we are still in the early stages of using it in everyday jobs.
  2. It's important for workers, especially in white-collar jobs, to adapt by learning to use AI tools to enhance their productivity and value to employers.
  3. Instead of fearing job loss, workers should focus on developing new skills that complement AI, allowing them to stay relevant in their fields.

Undeclared

Doomberg • 7460 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law Crime Drugs Immigration Economy
  1. The relationship between immigration and organized crime can be complex. Some immigration patterns have led to an increase in crime, but it’s important not to judge entire communities based on the actions of a few individuals.
  2. The fentanyl crisis in North America is serious, with both Canada and the US struggling with it. It's important for countries to work together to address the flow of illegal drugs across borders.
  3. Political decisions, like tariffs, can trigger strong reactions from countries involved. Canada felt threatened by the recent US tariffs, highlighting how deeply interconnected their economies and issues are.

Top Links 748 Why US agricultural exports matter. Industrializing Carrara & the giant impact of America's mass incarceration.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Agriculture Trade Incarceration Policy
  1. US agricultural exports are important for farmers and the economy, helping to stabilize prices and increase income.
  2. Industrializing Carrara highlights the significant impact of industries on local economies and communities.
  3. America's mass incarceration has wide-ranging effects, affecting both individuals and society as a whole.

Neolib Zombies

Magic + Loss • 417 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policies Economy Identity Globalization Government
  1. Neoliberalism has changed how we see ourselves, turning us from citizens into consumers and investors. This shift impacts our values and priorities in society.
  2. Since Reagan's presidency, neoliberal ideas have focused more on market concerns instead of workers' rights or social programs. This change has affected how economic policies are shaped today.
  3. Even though neoliberalism seems to be struggling, it continues to influence our lives and policies significantly. Its effects are still visible in the world around us.

DOGE Is What Happens When Trust In Government Hits Zero

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 62 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Economy Debt Taxation Public Opinion
  1. Trust in government is at a low point, leading to rising interest in unconventional solutions like DOGE. Many people feel frustrated watching how tax money is spent and wonder if their money is being used wisely.
  2. Americans are concerned about the growing national debt and fiscal mismanagement. This situation has made many people question value for money from the government.
  3. There is a feeling that after years of mishandled finances, radical changes like DOGE might be a necessary wake-up call. While its methods may be messy, it highlights the need for accountability and reform in government spending.

Power Is Shifting Rapidly to Indie Creators

The Honest Broker • 11037 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Employment Entrepreneurship Creativity Economy Industry
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Weekly Top Picks #97

The Algorithmic Bridge • 191 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Economy Marketing Software Innovation
  1. Google has released impressive AI models that are both high-quality and affordable. They are competing strongly in the AI space.
  2. OpenAI is developing new AI agents to assist programmers and sales teams, indicating a focus on practical business applications.
  3. Sam Altman highlighted that the intelligence in AI improves at a super-exponential rate, making its economic value increase rapidly.

Why You Shouldn't Worry about AI Taking Jobs

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3291 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Labor Economy Growth Regulation
  1. Many jobs we have today are not really necessary and could be replaced by AI. This is because some jobs exist due to government rules or old systems that don't make much sense anymore.
  2. People generally prefer human interaction over machines, especially in industries like hospitality, art, and healthcare. Humans provide a unique value that machines can't replicate, making these jobs safer from replacement.
  3. Even if AI takes many jobs, our economy is expected to grow significantly, which can help support those out of work through wealth redistribution. Governments have the ability to provide for everyone, even if many people end up jobless.

Plentiful, high-paying jobs in the age of AI

Noahpinion • 20235 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Jobs Economy Automation Opportunity Cost
  1. The concept of comparative advantage means that even in a world where AI outperforms humans in many tasks, humans can still find plentiful, high-paying jobs by focusing on what they do relatively better compared to other tasks.
  2. Wages have historically increased despite automation, suggesting that the job market continuously evolves and diversifies, creating new tasks for humans to perform.
  3. Concerns about AI causing human obsolescence and stagnant wages should be considered in the context of factors like energy constraints and the potential for increased inequality and adjustment challenges in the economy.

Fear and Consolidation in the Oil Patch

BIG by Matt Stoller • 20856 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Oil industry Mergers Finance Economy Competition
  1. The oil and gas industry is going through a significant wave of consolidation, with mega-mergers happening between major companies.
  2. The mergers and acquisitions in the industry are driven by challenges in increasing production, high finance strategies, and the desire to showcase access to reserves to investors.
  3. The consolidation will likely lead to squeezed suppliers, reduced innovation, and a shift of industry power from domestic firms to global entities.

Work sucks, I know

Philosophy bear • 436 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Work Culture Economy Meritocracy Job Market
  1. Being clever doesn't guarantee a good job. Even smart people might struggle to find satisfying work.
  2. There are many reasons why people don't get the jobs they want, like luck and bad hiring practices. It's not always fair.
  3. To improve the work situation, we need to focus on making jobs better for everyone, not just competing for top positions.

Strikes and Bidenomics

BIG by Matt Stoller • 35524 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Policy Government Labor Inflation
  1. Public dissatisfaction with the economy despite positive statistics like low unemployment and consumer spending
  2. The Biden administration lacks coherence in its policy approach and struggles to address issues like inflation and housing costs
  3. Judicial appointments and internal disagreements within the administration contribute to the challenges faced by Bidenomics in governing effectively