The hottest Economy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Russia after the war

Klement on Investing • 4 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Economy
  1. Russia still earns a lot from oil and can keep fighting, but oil revenues are sliding and inflation is well above target, putting serious strain on public finances and ordinary people.
  2. Defence spending takes up a huge share of the budget, so when the war ends the country will either face mass job losses as the military-industrial complex is shut down or be tempted to find new conflicts to keep it running.
  3. Private businesses took on lots of loans during the sanctions, so a post-war inflation spike and central-bank rate hikes could trigger widespread loan defaults and a financial crisis.

Donald Trump's mask-off assault on immigration

The Watch • 395 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. America's identity as a refuge for the marginalized is under threat by Trump's anti-immigration stance.
  2. Trump's immigration strategy includes rounding up asylum seekers and undocumented immigrants.
  3. Deportation plans by Trump would have severe economic and humanitarian consequences, impacting millions of lives.

Imagining a World Beyond Consumerism

The Joyous Struggle • 158 implied HN points • 11 Oct 22
🎭️ Culture Economy
  1. Going beyond consumerism is challenging because it is deeply ingrained in our societal norms and behaviors.
  2. Consumerism is not just about consumption or capitalism; it is a cultural and economic way of life that influences our sense of normality.
  3. To move beyond consumerism, we need to understand and address the emotional, social, economic, technological, legal, political, and spiritual logics that drive it, while also reimagining our societal norms and narratives.

Iceland's new found popularity

The Global Jigsaw • 119 implied HN points • 03 Sep 23
🏝 Travel Economy
  1. Tourism is Iceland's biggest export industry, but there are concerns about the impact on the environment and culture.
  2. Tourism has played a significant role in Iceland's economy, especially in times of crisis like the financial crash and pandemic.
  3. The increase in tourism has led to infrastructure challenges and a debate on sustainable tourism practices in Iceland.

Biden isn't losing because of bad economic vibes

Silver Bulletin • 345 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Biden's low approval ratings are not solely due to negative economic sentiments, but they could be influenced by consumer perceptions.
  2. There is a divergence in consumer confidence surveys which impacts how people view the economy and subsequently rate Biden's performance.
  3. Concerns about Biden's age and fitness for office are significant factors affecting voter perception, potentially more than economic factors.
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What Kishida Should Have Done On Wages, Taxes

Japan Economy Watch • 299 implied HN points • 15 Jun 22
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Stagnant incomes in Japan are primarily due to the gap between corporate and household incomes, with corporations hoarding profits instead of reinvesting in the economy through wage hikes, investment, or taxes.
  2. The failure of corporations to fulfill promises of raising wages after receiving tax cuts highlights the need for better enforcement of existing laws mandating equal pay and potential increases in the minimum wage to improve living standards and consumer demand.
  3. Rolling back corporate tax cuts and using resulting revenue gains to reduce consumption tax could lead to a fairer income distribution between companies and households, addressing the imbalance in income growth and stimulating economic growth.

Is Japan’s Inflation As High As It Seems?

Japan Economy Watch • 279 implied HN points • 24 Jun 22
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Japan's inflation rate may not be as high as it seems, with different measures showing varying results.
  2. Central banks like the Bank of Japan use 'core' inflation rates that exclude volatile items to gauge long-term trends.
  3. The challenge for Japan's economy is to achieve healthy inflation driven by domestic demand rather than by high import prices.

Warden Q3 Letter

Warden Capital • 78 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The quarter felt stable until rates spiked, creating challenges in lending and investment sales markets.
  2. While interest rates have increased rapidly, recent inflation data has been promising, indicating a potential decrease in inflation.
  3. Real estate prices increase during high inflation periods, offsetting the impact of higher interest rates in the long run.

America is unlikely to defeat a peer opponent

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. America is struggling to maintain hegemony due to shifts in military production potential favoring autocratic powers.
  2. Building up military power would strain government finances, potentially leading to higher deficits and inflation.
  3. To revive capabilities like the Arsenal of Democracy, a political dispensation supporting non-financial production needs to replace the current focus on shareholder wealth under the Reagan dispensation.

02/07/14 - Weekly Roundup!

Moly’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Economy
  1. People in China are protesting for delayed wages and facing financial struggles due to the preparations for Chinese New Year.
  2. Severe snowfall in China has led to people getting stuck on highways and facing harsh conditions without electricity or food.
  3. Various incidents like building collapses, lack of fire safety equipment, stock market issues, and banking problems are causing significant concerns and unrest in different parts of China.

The So-Called “Experts” Have Been “Right” About “Several Crucial Things” Recently

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Experts’ predictions have recently lined up with real outcomes, showing that their models and warnings were often right.
  2. Economists warned that tariffs would depress manufacturing, raise prices, and invite graft, and those negative effects are now visible.
  3. Strong public skepticism of experts exists on both the left and right, but recent events show expertise still matters and should be taken seriously.

When Everything is Free: Symphony or Cacophany?

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 37 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Economy
  1. We are entering a time where many basic needs might get cheaper and easier to access, thanks to technology like AI and supercomputing. This shift could lead us to focusing on what truly matters in life, rather than just meeting our survival needs.
  2. Despite the potential for an abundant future, many people feel overwhelmed and scared by the rapid changes happening around us. This fear might be holding us back from accepting the positive possibilities that come with advancements in technology.
  3. Just like mobile phones replaced expensive landlines, new innovations, such as 3D-printed homes and renewable energy sources, could drastically reduce costs for housing and energy. If we embrace these changes, we may pave the way for a more affordable and sustainable future.

rocket emoji securonomics?

worlding progress • 1 HN point • 08 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. The new government has changed its focus on tech, which makes some people uneasy. Many key tech leaders from the previous government are gone, leaving uncertainty about future tech strategy.
  2. AI and technology need to be embraced by all government departments for true progress. If decision-makers only see tech as a side project, we could miss out on its potential benefits.
  3. To drive innovation, the government should build a community around technology that encourages new ideas and collaborations. A clear vision and support from leaders can help transform these ideas into real outcomes.

A quick introduction to Debt [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Debt is crucial to the economy as it helps finance investments that boost growth and productivity for governments and businesses, allowing them to expand and create more opportunities.
  2. Understanding good debt versus bad debt is important - good debt helps increase income or net worth over time, while bad debt costs money and limits financial opportunities.
  3. Tech companies often rely heavily on debt for growth, but it can be risky due to their business model of making money at scale and facing challenges in achieving profitability.

The Credit Card Debt Bomb is Ticking

The Sunday Morning Post • 78 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Total credit card debt in the US surpassed $1 trillion for the first time in history, with high interest rates reaching an average of 20.68% in May 2023.
  2. Credit card delinquencies hit an 11-year high in the second quarter of 2023, with 2.77% of all credit card payments being missed.
  3. Delinquency rates for home mortgages and commercial loans are remarkably low, contrasting sharply with the concerning trend of rising credit card debt and delinquencies.

Credit Card Data Spells Trouble

The Sunday Morning Post • 78 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Inflation is causing consumers to shift spending towards necessary goods and services like food and healthcare.
  2. Americans are turning to credit cards to bridge the gap between rising prices and stagnant wages.
  3. High collective credit card debt and increasing delinquency rates could pose a significant threat to the overall economy.

The Starforge Thesis.

A Journey of Learning • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. College Station needs more engineering industry and high-paying jobs to retain talent.
  2. Intrinsic motivation and agency can be taught, and they are key for individuals to succeed in highly technical fields.
  3. Starforge aims to create a unique, highly centralized organization to foster creativity and innovation in building cool things.

We(Didn't)Work

Innovation Nation • 78 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. WeWork is facing financial troubles, with a net loss of $387mm and a stock down 30% in after hours trading.
  2. If WeWork goes bankrupt, it could leave 600,000 members without office space, impacting many lives and companies.
  3. A potential collapse of WeWork could lead to the largest real estate default in history, with $15.6 billion in lease obligations at risk.

The Land Law to the Rescue

Vietnam Weekly • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
💼 Business Economy
  1. The revised Land Law and Law on Credit Institutions in Vietnam aim to revive the real estate market by addressing historical shortcomings.
  2. The real estate market in Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces, experienced a significant decline in transactions and prices in recent years.
  3. Experts believe that the synchronized adjustment of four important real estate laws will increase transparency and resolve market issues in Vietnam.

The Fed's Plumbing Dilemma

Concoda • 443 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The Federal Reserve faces challenges as excess liquidity re-enters the banking system.
  2. Investors are pulling money from money market funds to seek higher yields, potentially leading to a speculative spree.
  3. Money market funds are moving liquidity from the Fed's RRP facility to the U.S. government's bank account, impacting the monetary system.

An interesting election parallel

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Covid negatively impacted urban economies, leading to a shift in voting patterns based on financial concerns.
  2. Home prices in cities dropped as wealthy residents moved out due to changes in work and lifestyle post-Covid.
  3. The shift in population and home values showed a clear connection between where people live and how they vote.

Trump had nothing to do with lowering the price of gas at the pump.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 6 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Falling pump prices are blamed on global oil oversupply from big producers and collapsing demand during a recession, not mainly on one politician's actions.
  2. Political and corporate elites are accused of manipulating energy markets, using war and insider trading to drive prices up, and pushing policies like fracking and tariffs that enrich insiders while hurting ordinary people.
  3. There are broad allegations of deep corruption, sex trafficking, and cover-ups among powerful figures, and the claim is that a corporate‑military state now dominates politics and undermines democracy.

Sugarcoating crypto gaming

SuperJoost Playlist • 99 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Economy
  1. Legacy game makers are increasingly exploring crypto and Web3 technologies.
  2. Japan's Prime Minister endorses emerging tech as part of a new form of capitalism.
  3. Concerns about video game addiction and its impact on young men are rising.

Recession Tug-of-War: Downside versus Bright Side

Risk Musings • 401 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The US economy faces challenges like high interest rates, commercial real estate vacancies, inflation, and climate change.
  2. Despite challenges, positive factors like AI, consumer demand, residential real estate, and labor strength are helping the economy remain resilient.
  3. The tug-of-war between downside risks and bright side factors will determine the economic outcome in the short, medium, and long terms.

Show me the money (& jobs)

Intercalation Station • 179 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. The US government has provided significant funding for American battery companies through various initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
  2. The funding aims to create jobs and requires a match from private investment.
  3. Analyzing the funding and job creation of these companies shows interesting trends like the split between public and private contributions and the hiring practices of different companies.

Links to Consider, 1/19

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Wokeness and victimhood culture are not just influenced by laws, but also by disparities in outcomes.
  2. Core gender beliefs have historically influenced societies and changes in those beliefs affected women's opportunities.
  3. Government benefit policies can inadvertently discourage work and incentivize receiving benefits, creating a cycle of dependency.

✅ Notes on the UK public relations agency market

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 119 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. The UK public relations market is facing a slowdown, making it harder for agencies to hit their business targets. Clients are being cautious, leading to delays in contracts and payments.
  2. There’s a shift in the relationship between agency employers and employees, with hiring freezes replacing discussions about pay increases. Many agencies are holding back on new hires except for key roles.
  3. Despite challenges, areas like health, DE&I, and AI are still seen as important. Agencies are encouraged to focus on their fundamentals and prepare for future opportunities as the market stabilizes.

The Contest for Japan’s Economic Future

Japan Economy Watch • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💼 Business Economy
  1. Japan's stagnant economy could see a revival through a new generation of entrepreneurs and major social changes opening new opportunities.
  2. Challenges to progress in Japan include difficulty in bank financing, resistance to change by powerful entities, and the inflexibility of the traditional system with aspects like lifetime employment.
  3. Notable experts have endorsed the book 'The Contest for Japan's Economic Future', praising its analysis and recommendations for tapping into entrepreneurial potential in Japan.

The Problem With Neoliberalism

Integrity Talk • 33 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Neoliberalism focuses on free markets with less government control, believing this helps things like trade and competition. However, it can make services like healthcare and education more expensive for many people.
  2. There's a debate about whether the government should step in to support innovation. Some think government help is crucial for success in tech, while neoliberals argue the market can self-regulate better.
  3. Neoliberalism isn't just about cutting government spending; it's also about finding a balance. Some government support can be important for big projects, while markets are good at improving technologies quickly.

Uber is getting back into the self-driving game

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Economy
  1. Uber is re-entering the self-driving market by partnering with Lucid and Nuro to launch a new robotaxi service. They plan to invest heavily and deploy thousands of vehicles in major US cities.
  2. AI investment is on the rise in Europe, with funding for AI-native startups increasing significantly, indicating growing interest and development in the field.
  3. There's a proposal to allow regular people to invest in private equity through their 401ks, which could open up new investment opportunities, but comes with risks due to the complexity of private investments.

All the AI circus you can fit in a single tent

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Economy
  1. Big companies are increasingly hiring talent from smaller AI firms instead of fully buying them out, which is leaving those startups in tough positions. This trend means more competition but can also hurt innovation.
  2. Many kids are using AI chatbots and turning to them for companionship, showing a growing acceptance of AI in everyday life. This could change how younger generations interact with technology and each other.
  3. Some new AI models from Chinese companies are impressing the tech world and could challenge established players in the market. The race for AI development is global and is not just dominated by American companies.

Top 5 financial posts of the trading week 13/2024

Global Markets Investor • 19 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
💰 Finance Economy
  1. US stocks finished the week slightly higher and had one of the best quarters in years, with Gold and Bitcoin also performing well.
  2. Corporate insider stock selling levels are at their highest since Q1 2021.
  3. US pump prices are expected to hit $4 a gallon by the summer, which may not be good news for consumers and inflation.

Signed Ceiled and Delivered

Concoda • 389 implied HN points • 12 May 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Financial markets react swiftly to concerns about America's debt load.
  2. Debt ceiling stalemates can lead to extreme volatility and illiquidity in the Treasury market.
  3. Failing to raise the debt limit poses significant threats to financial stability and global markets.