The hottest Economy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Daily Chartbook #276

Daily Chartbook • 1729 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Global food prices fell 2.1% in August to the lowest in over 2 years.
  2. US imported more from Mexico than China for the first time since '03, affecting the economy.
  3. Used vehicle prices were up 0.2% MoM in August, but down 7.7% YoY.

Is Global Climate Policy Working?

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 1158 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🔬 Science Economy
  1. Climate policies need a deeper focus on decarbonization of the global economy.
  2. The Kaya Identity offers a simplified yet powerful tool for evaluating climate policies.
  3. A shift towards measuring decarbonization progress rather than just emissions reduction can provide better insights into the effectiveness of climate policies.

✨ What we know about AI and the economy ... so far, at least

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
💼 Business Economy
  1. AI investment is growing, especially in chip companies, and is expected to continue rising in the future.
  2. Only a small number of companies are currently using AI, but many are looking to invest more in it despite some concerns.
  3. AI is starting to influence the job market, with more openings in AI-related fields, but it's not a major cause of layoffs yet.

Work sucks, I know

Philosophy bear • 436 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  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.
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Daily Chartbook #284

Daily Chartbook • 1676 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Nearly 80% support homebuilding, but only 33% support large apartment complexes near their home.
  2. Landlords with 1,000+ properties made up 0.4% of U.S. home purchases in Q2, down from 2.4% in late 2021.
  3. Used car prices rose 1.5% in September, but were down 3.5% from September 2022.

Young People Can't Get Jobs. Now What?

State of the Future • 228 implied HN points • 15 May 25
💼 Business Economy
  1. AI is causing entry-level jobs to disappear, especially for young graduates. Many of the roles that students are training for are fading away fast.
  2. Youth unemployment is increasing, with recent grads struggling to find work. The job market is looking worse for them compared to the overall workforce.
  3. We need new ideas and solutions to help young people find work. Programs that encourage entrepreneurship and skilled trades can help them build careers even as traditional job paths vanish.

Daily Chartbook #305

Daily Chartbook • 1572 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Homebuyer demand is at its lowest level in nearly a year.
  2. Existing home sales have dropped to their lowest point since October 2010.
  3. The national median existing-home price rose 2.8% in September from a year earlier to $394,300.

Chartbook 237: Whither China? (4): Zero-Covid myths, dynamic clearing & the Omicron crisis of 2022

Chartbook • 1702 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Economy
  1. The zero-Covid policy in China was not always about sustained repression, but involved dynamic clearing to contain outbreaks.
  2. The economic impact of China's Covid policy was influenced more by global demand and housing market than by the lockdowns.
  3. The sudden abandonment of zero-Covid in China in 2022 resulted in a significant projected death toll, showcasing the complexity and consequences of the regime's decisions.

December 19, 2025

Letters from an American • 27 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. The week highlighted deep political chaos and weakening governing norms, with violent events, an administration riddled with internal dysfunction, and leaders relying on fear and loyalty over steady governance.
  2. The president’s panicked rhetoric and policies reflect the collapse of long-standing conservative economic promises, damaging public trust and undermining earlier economic gains.
  3. Key institutions and the rule of law are under strain as officials withhold records, heavily redact important documents, pursue aggressive foreign actions, and display power grabs that coincide with cracks in the Republican coalition.

Are things are looking up? Has The System stabilised?

System Change • 314 implied HN points • 18 Apr 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The economy seems to be looking up with CFO sentiment rising sharply in the UK.
  2. Global financial stability is still a concern with reports of low capital reserves in major US banks.
  3. High levels of corporate debt, like the case of Asda, pose risks to the financial system especially with potential rate hikes.

Daily Chartbook #295

Daily Chartbook • 1572 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Typical mortgage rates fluctuate around the average rate.
  2. Median monthly mortgage payment has increased by 10.2% YoY.
  3. Homebuyers with a $3,000 budget have lost $40,000 in purchasing power since last year due to rising mortgage rates.

Corporate Democracy in Norway

Erik Examines • 179 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
💼 Business Economy
  1. In Norway, workers have a voice in how companies are run, with one-third of company boards elected by employees. This is different from countries like the US where employees have little say.
  2. Norway has mixed economic practices, blending capitalism with socialist ideals, allowing both workers and shareholders to have power. It's a unique approach that balances interests in the workplace.
  3. Discussions about employee rights in Norway often focus on whether they should be protected by laws or through collective agreements made by unions. This shows how employees advocate for their rights differently than in other countries.

Infographics: Centrally Cleared U.S. Treasury Market Flows

Concoda • 178 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
💰 Finance Economy
  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.

The Creator Economy's paradigm shift

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Economy
  1. The Creator Economy is becoming more powerful than traditional media. Creators are now shaping cultural conversations more than ever before.
  2. Teen moms on TikTok are making lots of money and changing how people view their lives. Social media allows them to support their families and break stereotypes.
  3. Podcasts are growing in popularity and are being watched on TVs. This means video versions of podcasts could get more viewers who enjoy watching them at home.

University Grads Flock to Food Delivery as China's Job Market Dries Up

Chinarrative • 216 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. University graduates in China are turning to food delivery jobs due to a tough job market and economic situation.
  2. More educated individuals, including college graduates, are entering the food delivery sector, causing an oversupply of labor and decreasing salaries.
  3. The phenomenon reflects broader employment issues in China, showing a need for improved support from educational institutions and a larger, more diverse job market.

From Fetish To Fetter: China's Model Of Investment-Led Growth

Japan Economy Watch • 299 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Economy
  1. China's investment-led growth model is facing challenges, with excessive investment and unproductive spending impacting the economy.
  2. China needs to transition from more investment to smarter investment to sustain economic growth and improve living standards.
  3. The country's focus on high investment levels has led to weakening consumer demand, limited household income, and a growing debt burden.

Is Donald Trump Losing His Mojo?

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 210 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  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.

Daily Chartbook #280

Daily Chartbook • 1545 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The median asking price for newly listed homes rose 4.3% YoY.
  2. The median monthly mortgage payment hit an all-time high of $2,632.
  3. Initial jobless claims were 220k, continuing claims at 1,688k.

✉️ Should post be delivered every day?

Off to Lunch • 157 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Economy
  1. Ofcom is suggesting reforms to the UK postal service to manage reduced letter volumes.
  2. There is a debate on reducing letter deliveries to save costs, but the history and significance make it emotional.
  3. Interested parties can send views on the postal changes to Ofcom by April 3.

Daily Chartbook #262

Daily Chartbook • 1598 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. China real estate market poses risks globally, but international policy response is expected
  2. Default rates are rising slowly over the past 12 months
  3. Large-scale M&A deals above $10 billion have increased in the second quarter

China Crumbles

The Dollar Endgame • 199 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Economy
  1. China's real estate market is facing significant challenges, with existing home prices dropping and outstanding property loans declining.
  2. Major developers like Evergrande and Country Garden are struggling with debt obligations and bankruptcy proceedings.
  3. Moody's downgrade of China's credit outlook indicates that the turmoil in the real estate sector is starting to impact the broader economy and banks.

Wage Hikes in April Fail Their First Test

Japan Economy Watch • 299 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Wage hikes in April in Japan fell short of expectations, rising only by 1% instead of the predicted 2%, indicating a potential setback for interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.
  2. Real wages in Japan have been dropping for years, not just a temporary post-Covid issue, leading to reduced consumer spending and overall economic impact.
  3. The slow wage growth in Japan has implications on inflation rates, with the Bank of Japan waiting for a 3% nominal wage hike to consider monetary policy changes.

Daily Chartbook #290

Daily Chartbook • 1467 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Pending home sales fell 7.1% in August, hitting Covid lows.
  2. Median monthly new homebuyer payments are at a record $2,666.
  3. Average interest rate on a 30 year mortgage is now 7.83%, the highest since October 2000.

BREAKING: Norfolk Southern says it's willing to deal on the Red Line

The Charlotte Ledger • 275 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Norfolk Southern is now considering allowing commuter rail on its tracks in Mecklenburg after a 20-year impasse
  2. The change in Norfolk Southern's stance could give momentum to Charlotte's regional transit system plans
  3. The city leaders hope that a deal with Norfolk Southern for the Red Line could help secure support for a larger transit plan

Daily Chartbook #288

Daily Chartbook • 1467 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. US home prices rose in July for the 5th consecutive month.
  2. Half of the tracked cities saw new high home prices.
  3. The FHFA House Price Index increased by 0.8% in the most recent month.

Consumer Activity has Slowed Down

The Transcript • 299 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. Consumer activity is slowing down, showing a decrease in economic growth
  2. Economic pressures are rising, leading to caution among businesses
  3. Geopolitical risks, along with elevated interest rates, are causing uncertainty in the market

Daily Chartbook #273

Daily Chartbook • 1519 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Vehicle sales in the US saw a 13.7% increase in August compared to last year.
  2. Demand for commercial and industrial loans is decreasing notably.
  3. Goldman Sachs lowered the US recession probability from 20% to 15%.

‘I Would Prefer Not To’...

Breaking the News • 1603 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. James Fallows prefers not to sign up with Threads due to reasons like ownership concerns, user interface preferences, and lack of critical mass in comparison to other platforms.
  2. James Fallows prefers not to write further about the 'Lab Leak', citing coverage by David Quammen in the New York Times Magazine on Covid's origin mysteries and the importance of the origin question.
  3. James Fallows prefers not to write about where the economy is headed or media coverage related to the economy at this time.

Daily Chartbook #264

Daily Chartbook • 1545 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Affordability calculations include median existing home prices and mortgage rates.
  2. US households are handling high mortgage rates well, so far affecting only homebuyers.
  3. Existing home sales decreased more than expected, with slowest pace since 2010.

Daily Chartbook #263

Daily Chartbook • 1545 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The US has the lowest homeowner vacancy rates in almost 70 years.
  2. The gap between 30-year mortgage rates and 10-year Treasury rates is widening.
  3. The trucking industry is reacting to higher freight volumes, indicating a potential market improvement.

China’s Growth Prospects, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 279 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Economy
  1. China's growth prospects face uncertainty, with possibilities of a financial crash leading to years of slow growth, or a gradual deceleration of growth rates over time.
  2. China's growth rate has been slowing down as the country becomes more affluent, and the government's economic strategies may worsen the natural slowdown.
  3. Experts project China's growth rate to be around 4% for the next few years, and achieving even 4% growth would be considered significant given China's level of development.

Austerity: Amplifying Private Sector Failure

System Change • 275 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Austerity can amplify private sector failure by cutting government spending, according to the debate
  2. The financial crash of 2008 was caused by the deregulation of the financial system and unsustainability of credit
  3. Political choices and economic theories influenced austerity measures and impacted economic growth

Biden’s industrial policy

Speaking Security • 275 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Industrial policy involves government intervention to support specific economic sectors
  2. There's a debate on whether the US already had an industrial policy before Biden's initiatives
  3. Military spending has historically been the main industrial policy of the US

Paying more for less

Known Unknowns • 275 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Inflation is making everything more expensive and reducing purchasing power.
  2. The shift from shareholder primacy to stakeholder capitalism has made everything more political and divisive.
  3. State and local finances are facing serious challenges that impact daily lives more than national debt-ceiling debates.