The hottest Economy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Some thoughts on industrial policy and green energy

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Shifting to green energy entails new products, manufacturing processes, and economic shifts.
  2. Industrial policy includes a range of government actions, such as subsidies, export support, and tariffs to promote specific industries.
  3. A carbon tax could drive a transition to green energy by making fossil fuels cost-prohibitive and encouraging the development of alternative energy sources like hydrogen and solar power.

Can a new Democratic order address the American Crisis?

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. The distribution of wealth between political parties impacts addressing issues like inequality, politics, and climate change.
  2. Historical patterns indicate a potential shift towards a new Democratic dispensation in the US political landscape.
  3. Economic factors, like job creation and inflation control, play crucial roles in shaping future electoral outcomes and party dynamics.

✅ Wadds Inc. back to school

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. Management often does public relations work but doesn't call it that. They typically seek help from PR experts only when absolutely needed.
  2. PR practitioners lack the qualifications and standards that management recognizes. If both sides can address this, PR can be more effective.
  3. The rise of AI tools is changing the PR landscape. PR agencies need guidelines to use these tools ethically and effectively.

The Financial System is in a Death Spiral

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 09 May 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The financial system is facing a crisis with inflation rates far exceeding official figures, leading to a significant decrease in purchasing power for individuals.
  2. Central banks are struggling to control inflation through traditional methods like interest rate hikes due to the risk of causing economic turmoil and further financial instability.
  3. There are no easy solutions to the current financial crisis - whether governments keep printing money or raise interest rates, both options have significant downsides that can lead to widespread poverty.

Street Crime is Destroying Oakland's Economy

Public • 280 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. Street crime is causing significant economic damage in Oakland, California.
  2. Local businesses are struggling and closing due to high crime rates.
  3. The rise in crime is leading to a rise in robberies, vehicle thefts, and home invasions in Oakland.
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Food is Political

Nomad No More • 58 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🍲 Food & Drink Economy
  1. Food choices have political implications in modern society.
  2. Cooking at home can help combat societal issues like food waste and unhealthy eating habits.
  3. Investing time in cooking and being resourceful with food can have positive impacts on health, finances, and the environment.

Next 40 & French Tech 120: Sale histoire

Venture Prose • 778 implied HN points • 19 Jan 20
💼 Business Economy
  1. The French Tech rankings like Next 40 and French Tech 120 can be controversial and unfair in their selection process, often favoring hyper-growth companies with large funding over sustainable, profitable ones.
  2. Historically, stock markets for small to medium-sized companies have shown limited success, revealing the challenges of creating liquidity, building reputation, and accessing funding through such platforms.
  3. The government's initiatives for startups, like employee incentive plans and hiring foreign talent, have a positive impact on the development of French tech companies, despite the controversies surrounding certain rankings.

Hunger In America

crimeandpunishment • 58 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Over 25% of American adults are food insecure due to high inflation and the end of pandemic benefits.
  2. The increase in dollar stores has led to negative impacts on locally owned stores and products.
  3. Food prices have surged, and corporate profits are soaring while millions of Americans, including children, face food insecurity.

"A Year of Moderation" Begins for the Construction Sector

The Sunday Morning Post • 58 implied HN points • 21 May 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. Home Depot reported a 4.2% decline in sales for Q1 2023, marking the start of a period of moderation in the construction sector.
  2. Lower home construction numbers are impacting sales of materials like lumber and affecting big-ticket item purchases.
  3. Factors like higher interest rates, inflation, and economic uncertainty are contributing to the slowdown in the construction market.

How economic culture evolves

America in Crisis • 99 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Humans adapt to new environments through culture, not biological evolution.
  2. Cultural evolution is faster than biological evolution due to faster information transmission.
  3. Economic culture, such as shareholder primacy vs. stakeholder capitalism, evolves based on factors like tax rates and labor demand.

People Should Not Prioritize What They Think Are "Vibes" Over Actual Data: The Economic Situation Really Is—Relative to All Other Years since 2000—Excellent

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 215 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Don't prioritize 'vibes' over actual data - the economy is actually excellent compared to past years.
  2. Partisanship influences perceptions of the economy - Democrats more optimistic than Republicans.
  3. Journalists sometimes emphasize negative news, even when data shows a positive economic situation.

¥/$ May Be Heading to ¥125

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 24 Mar 22
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The yen may be heading towards ¥125, which would be its weakest level in 20 years, mainly due to factors like interest rate gaps between US and Japan.
  2. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and supply chain disruptions are contributing to yen weakening, despite historical perceptions of yen as a safe-haven currency during crises.
  3. Japan's shift from trade surpluses to deficits impacts its currency, and a weak yen may no longer be seen as entirely beneficial, especially if oil prices keep rising.

August 6, 2025

Letters from an American • 24 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Many people are angry about the government's spending and treatment of immigrants, and they're expressing this at town halls. Politicians are facing a lot of pushback from voters this summer.
  2. There are growing concerns about the economy and immigration policies, and Trump is trying to manipulate voting districts to gain more control. This has sparked a lot of political tension.
  3. There's also controversy surrounding the handling of Epstein's case, with some lawmakers pushing for more transparency and justice for the victims. The meetings and actions taken by officials are being closely watched.

Your local bodega owner is safe for now

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. AI is impressive but has limits. For example, it can't yet manage a store better than a human owner, so your local bodega is safe for now.
  2. Companies like Meta are in a fierce competition for AI talent, offering huge salaries to attract the best minds. This could change the future of AI development significantly.
  3. Younger generations are leaning towards socialism partly due to issues like student debt and unaffordable housing. It's important to understand their perspective and offer better solutions.

My Chapter On 'Lost Decades' In New Book on Heisei Era

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 15 Mar 22
💾 History Economy
  1. The chapter focuses on why Japan experienced 'lost decades' and the potential for future improvement.
  2. Initially, there was denial about the situation, but eventually, leaders recognized the need for fundamental reform.
  3. Despite past challenges, there are signs of positive societal changes offering Japan an opportunity for revitalization with the right policies.

It's Good When Cheap Crap is Cheap

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. The holidays push people to buy lots of unneeded stuff just to meet social expectations, so cheap junk gets bought in huge quantities.
  2. Affordability is becoming a central political issue because policies like tariffs, health-care premium changes, and interest rates affect everyday prices and make politicians vulnerable.
  3. There’s a debate over what counts as ‘essential’ — dismissing items like deodorant or extra pencils overlooks that cheap, everyday goods still matter when prices rise and can hurt families on tight budgets.

What if there's no U.S. recession?

Jon’s Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Bank of America has changed its prediction and now believes the U.S. might not face a recession. This change happened after positive statements from the Federal Reserve about the economy.
  2. Despite rising interest rates, the economy has been doing well with job growth and spending in new areas like AI and renewable energy.
  3. Historically, when there wasn't a recession after rate hikes, the stock market usually performed better, suggesting a positive outlook for investors.

Japan’s Vulnerability If There’s A New Recession

Japan Economy Watch • 179 implied HN points • 07 Jul 22
💼 Business Economy
  1. Japan's vulnerability to economic shocks like a new recession is high, historically showing outsized reactions that affect living standards and geopolitics.
  2. The Japanese economy takes bigger hits from global shocks compared to other rich countries, recovering more slowly and experiencing slower growth.
  3. Japan's economic vulnerability stems from imbalanced growth where GDP growth hasn't translated effectively into wider population benefits like wage growth, creating long-term instabilities.

Part 1: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-January 2024

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 220 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The overview provides a snapshot of the current housing market including sales, prices, inventory, mortgage rates, and rents.
  2. New listings for existing homes were up 9.1% year-over-year in December of 2023.
  3. Seasonally, December and January are weaker months for new listings, but it's expected that new listings may be up year-over-year in 2024.

DOGE Is What Happens When Trust In Government Hits Zero

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 62 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  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.

Money Market Update

Concoda • 199 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The Treasury and Federal Reserve are causing slight risks for the market
  2. There is a decrease in bills issued, which could have an impact on the RRP decline
  3. Upcoming topics will cover the future of the repo market and the Fed's discount window

August 1, 2025

Letters from an American • 23 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. The latest job report showed a big drop in job growth, with only 73,000 jobs added in July compared to the expected 115,000. This suggests the economy has been losing strength for a while.
  2. Trump fired the commissioner of labor statistics after the numbers were released, claiming they were manipulated. This has raised concerns about the integrity of economic data under his administration.
  3. Trump made a provocative statement about positioning nuclear submarines in response to comments from Russia. Some believe this may serve as a distraction from bad news regarding the economy and his controversies.

Why does Tech Hire and Fire so quickly [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. Tech companies hire and fire quickly due to the boom and bust cycle - the economy goes through periods of growth and recession, affecting staffing decisions.
  2. Big tech companies compete aggressively, leading to hiring for unprofitable projects and mass layoffs later on.
  3. Hiring in tech can sometimes be driven by ego and market image, leading to quick layoffs as well. Stay aware of trends and project impact to protect your job.

Strong and Vibrant

The Transcript • 59 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The economy is described as strong and vibrant.
  2. Consumers are still spending, and inflation has decreased.
  3. Bank of America's Brian Moynihan is optimistic about the Federal Reserve.

August 4, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Trump fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics after a bad jobs report, showing his determination to control economic data. This raises concerns about how reliable statistics would be under his leadership.
  2. Many Americans are stressed about rising grocery costs, indicating growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of economic issues. His popularity is declining, which could affect his support.
  3. There are ongoing controversies surrounding Trump's past connections with Jeffrey Epstein, and some believe that he is trying to shift attention away from the issue. This situation continues to create political tension.

A Great Unravelling

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 04 Oct 21
💼 Business Economy
  1. China is facing big problems with power shortages that are affecting its economy. Many businesses are shutting down because they can't get enough energy to operate.
  2. Britain is struggling due to a lack of gasoline, which is causing major disruptions. People are having trouble finding fuel and grocery items.
  3. The shortage of semiconductors is causing car manufacturers in the U.S. and Europe to stop production. This means fewer cars being made and possibly higher prices for consumers.

Why Progress Seems Stalled

America in Crisis • 4 HN points • 12 Jul 24
💼 Business Economy
  1. Faith in progress has declined due to recent advancements not meeting expectations, leading to public pessimism about the future.
  2. In the past, innovation created new categories of demand, opening up new economic sectors and creating jobs.
  3. Shareholder primacy business culture since 2000 has shifted focus from real productivity-enhancing investments to financial returns, hindering true progress.

Podcast Episode + Other Stuff

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 4 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎙 Podcasts Economy
  1. Posting is paused for about two weeks because of master’s exams and family commitments for a birthday.
  2. A previous piece was translated and expanded for Revista Supernova so Spanish readers can read a version with new material.
  3. A Millennial Dream podcast episode features a conversation about starting on Substack, Argentina’s economic history and politics, digital nomads, and urban topics like walkability and transit.

A Historic Race

Journal of Free Black Thought • 81 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. The recent election shows that many Americans are looking past race and focusing on the candidates' skills and policies. This might mean a move towards a more 'raceless' society.
  2. People seem to care more about the economy than race when choosing leaders. Even if economic conditions are good, voters often feel unsure and prefer leaders who they believe will better manage economic issues.
  3. The changing views on race in America highlight progress. The idea of voting based on racial categories is becoming outdated as people recognize the diversity within humanity.

The Gravitational Force of Tech Money

The Future, Now and Then • 167 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
💼 Business Economy
  1. Gravitational impact of money increases with scale, where extreme wealth creates societal problems beyond personal purchasing power.
  2. Tech billionaires accumulating astronomical sums of money have industry-warping and societal impacts, shaping the future and institutions.
  3. The concentration of vast capital in the hands of a few leads to comical ineptitude and problems society struggles to address, highlighting flaws in the tax system.

Macron's Call For "Demographic Rearmament"

Surfing the Future • 19 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Economy
  1. Population declines are becoming a concern in developed countries like South Korea and Japan, impacting GDP and international influence.
  2. France's President Macron is highlighting the concept of 'demographic rearmament' to address the threats of depopulation.
  3. There is alarm about the possible implementation of authoritarian, pro-natalist policies to counter population decrease.

Monopoly Eggs, Supporting Corruption, and the Actual Use of AI

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 60 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Many grocery items are produced by just a couple of big companies, creating monopolies. This means less competition and potentially higher prices for consumers.
  2. Corruption in big companies happens often, and it gets worse when we don't pay attention to what really goes on behind the scenes. It's important to stay aware and not just look for who's in charge.
  3. Just because a company seems to be against a bad leader doesn't mean they're good. They might still be unethical, so we should be careful who we support.

Can Korea Teach Japan How to Grow Again?

Japan Economy Watch • 199 implied HN points • 09 Mar 22
💼 Business Economy
  1. Korea has managed to outstrip Japan in per capita GDP despite facing similar structural challenges.
  2. Korea's success compared to Japan can be attributed to getting the basics right, raising wages, and addressing productivity gaps.
  3. Investing in human capital, upgrading technology, supporting SMEs, and focusing on entrepreneurship are key factors for Korea's growth success that Japan can learn from.

The "Home ATM" Mostly Closed in Q1

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 28 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
💰 Finance Economy
  1. In the past, many homeowners borrowed against their home equity, calling it a 'Home ATM', but this led to financial problems when home prices fell. Today, most homeowners have solid equity in their homes, unlike back then.
  2. Mortgage debt increased by $45 billion in the first quarter of 2025, showing a slowdown compared to previous quarters. This is part of a larger trend of rising mortgage debt as people buy new homes.
  3. Mortgage debt as a percentage of the economy is at 44.8%, which is much healthier compared to the 73.1% peak during the housing crisis. This means homeowners today generally have more equity and better financial stability.