The hottest Economy Substack posts right now

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February 25, 2026

Letters from an American • 32 implied HN points • 26 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. The State of the Union felt like a campaign rally, packed with exaggerated or misleading claims and theatrical moments meant to energize the president’s base rather than outline sober policy.
  2. The speech used immigrant scapegoating, nationalist rhetoric, and public honors to divide the country, deflect blame for economic problems, and rally loyal supporters while promising a "war on fraud."
  3. The Democratic response centered ordinary Americans, calling out lies, corruption, and abusive immigration enforcement, and urged voters to demand better leadership and restore accountability.

Panic Among the Streamers

The Honest Broker • 22673 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
💼 Business Economy
  1. Spotify's CEO sold $100 million in stock amidst the company's increasing losses, causing concern among investors.
  2. Streaming companies like Netflix and Disney are heavily investing in AI technology, potentially replacing human creativity with bots.
  3. Music streaming platforms like Spotify prioritize profit over user experience, creating a bland and generic listening environment.

This Week in Canada: Carney Makes the Center Look Cool Again

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 357 implied HN points • 16 Dec 25
📰 News Economy
  1. Recent court rulings have created real uncertainty about property rights, as decisions recognize Indigenous title that can override traditional fee simple ownership.
  2. Mark Carney is making the political center look attractive again, pulling attention back to moderate, big-tent politics instead of the extremes.
  3. Canadian political culture now mixes symbolic gestures and personality-driven politics — from liquor-store patriotism to politicians who lean into festive, media-friendly moments.

The Disappearing Democratic Coalition

The Liberal Patriot • 1886 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Biden is falling behind Trump in key areas like the economy and border security.
  2. The Democratic coalition is losing support among core groups like Hispanics, Blacks, and Youth.
  3. To win in the 2024 election, Democrats need to focus on persuasion over mobilization and address voter concerns like the economy and tough issues.
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February 26, 2026

Letters from an American • 28 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. The administration is in overt campaign mode, using claims of widespread immigrant fraud and withholding federal funds to punish blue states and shift attention away from policy choices that shortened Medicare and Social Security solvency.
  2. High‑profile investigations and depositions around Epstein and related records have exposed possible DOJ withholding of documents and raised serious concerns about political interference and cover‑ups involving powerful figures.
  3. Democratic norms and civil rights are under pressure, with efforts to centralize control over elections, new laws invalidating transgender IDs, and dangerous Border Patrol practices that demonstrate an erosion of protections for vulnerable people.

"The Global Fertility Crisis is Worse than You Think"

The Honest Broker Newsletter • 2159 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  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.

❄️💥 Quels risques en 2024 ?

Snowball • 1886 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💼 Business Economy
  1. Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) is a major tech company that manufactures chips for various devices.
  2. Experts and global leaders predict risks that could cause crises in 2024 like environmental issues and technology advancements.
  3. The internet's evolution to omnipresence due to smartphones raises questions about implications and opportunities.

Niall Ferguson Talks to Javier Milei

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1469 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🌐 International Economy
  1. Argentina is facing a huge economic challenge, but change is possible with strong leadership. Javier Milei, the president, aims to turn the situation around and make Argentina a freer country.
  2. Milei's approach includes drastic cuts to government spending, and he symbolizes this with a chainsaw. His leadership style is a mix of serious intellect and a connection to the people through humor and relatable actions.
  3. Despite progress, there are still political hurdles to overcome. Although Milei is optimistic about future reforms, he acknowledges that he needs to navigate the complexities of South American politics.

Killing Narco Speedboat Survivors Is a War Crime. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 398 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
📰 News Economy
  1. U.S. forces are accused of ordering a second strike that killed survivors of a destroyed narco speedboat, which could amount to a war crime if confirmed; officials deny the report and lawmakers are demanding vigorous oversight.
  2. Prominent writers are sparking public debate, from a tribute to Tom Stoppard's life and craft to a sharp disagreement over whether America's poverty line could realistically be as high as $140,000.
  3. Several major political and policy stories are unfolding at once: Social Security faces a projected shortfall by 2033, controversial clemency and legal actions are drawing criticism, and international tensions and pardon requests are raising rule-of-law concerns.

Africa in 2024

An Africanist Perspective • 2117 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Economy
  1. Africa in 2024 will see tough economic times, with debt distress, moderate growth, and challenges in inflation and household purchasing power.
  2. Several African countries will hold pivotal elections in 2024, with notable contests in Botswana, Ghana, Mozambique, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa.
  3. Elite political instability and conflicts are expected to persist in regions such as Central Africa, the Horn, and the Sahel, with specific countries facing ongoing challenges while others remain stable.

Top Links 923 If Europe can’t spend big, who can? "A long slow bet on laziness". Meatscape & German Venezuela.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 16 Nov 25
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Europe needs to spend more to support its economy, and there's a question of who will take that initiative if they don't.
  2. There's a discussion around lazy investment strategies that could hinder economic growth.
  3. The situation in Germany is compared to Venezuela's, highlighting concerns about financial stability and resource management.

At least five interesting things for your weekend (#26)

Noahpinion • 13059 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. The U.S. economy is thriving, with real growth, increased wages, high employment rates, and a booming stock market.
  2. The U.S. energy supply is abundant due to investments in shale oil production, keeping prices moderate and potentially boosting the economy even further.
  3. Millennials and Gen Z are doing well economically, with wealth accumulation surpassing previous generations at a similar age, especially in real estate.

Top Links 922 Unhappy American consumers. (Unexpected) inflation tax. Accelerating singlehood & how the Abraham Accords have come to Central Asia.

Chartbook • 457 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Many Americans are unhappy with the economy. They feel the effects of high grocery prices and a tough job market.
  2. People are worried about inflation, which feels like a tax on their everyday lives. This makes it harder for them to manage their finances.
  3. There's a trend of more people choosing to be single. This shift in social habits is interesting and shows changing priorities.

Why I still believe in HS2

Odds and Ends of History • 2278 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  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.

TGIF: It All Comes Out

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4915 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  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.

The Golden Age of Humanity? We’re Living in It. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 412 implied HN points • 25 Nov 25
📰 News Economy
  1. Many people feel modern life is empty, but Enlightenment ideas like reason, rights, and science have driven huge gains in health, wealth, and freedom, leading some to call this a golden age for humanity.
  2. There’s a notable religious revival and a strain of political nostalgia on the right that longs for older Christian social orders, even flirting with monarchic or feudal ideas that challenge modern democratic norms.
  3. Current events show a mixed reality: legal battles, heated debates over the Second Amendment, foreign-run social media accounts stoking outrage, and rising utility shutoffs all highlight serious problems that persist despite long-term progress.

🧠🌐 The Brilliance Dividend

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Having more high IQ workers can lead to greater economic growth and innovation. Smart people help push society forward with new ideas and solutions.
  2. It's important to welcome talented individuals from abroad, as they can contribute significantly to the economy. Different perspectives and skills are valuable for progress.
  3. Creating a supportive environment for high achievers can help them thrive. Cities or communities designed for innovation can lead to great advances in technology and society.

They don't know anything.

A Havenstein Moment. • 1768 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The Fed does not have special knowledge or accuracy in predictions over the past 20-25 years.
  2. Majority of gains in the stock market go to the wealthiest stockholders, not the average investor.
  3. American households may own stocks, but the amount owned is often minimal in the grand scheme of the market.

Does the Economy Need Migrants?

cryptoeconomy • 1434 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Immigrants do not necessarily solve labor shortages because they bring their own demand for various services and jobs.
  2. Immigration can lead to lower wages, depending on the skills of the immigrants being admitted into the country.
  3. The argument that immigration is needed to address labor shortages is often contested by voters who see other issues like welfare, crime, and decreasing wages.

The Trump Voter Taking On ICE. Michael Dell on His $6B Gift to America’s Kids. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 338 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
📰 News Economy
  1. A Trump-voting Chicago mom has been helping Venezuelan migrant families with asylum, housing, work, and schooling and is now resisting ICE raids and deportations. Her work shows people can be patriotic yet oppose harsh immigration enforcement.
  2. Michael Dell and his wife are creating $250 savings accounts for 25 million American children, a roughly $6 billion effort meant to give kids a financial head start. The gift complements a federal newborn savings initiative and has economists debating possible unintended consequences.
  3. A 'peace through profit' approach to Ukraine — courting business with Russia to secure a deal — is being pushed by dealmakers but criticized because it’s hard to trust deals with an authoritarian, mafia-like state. Critics warn profit-driven diplomacy may not yield a durable or ethical peace.

Is There an Affordability Crisis?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 292 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Inflation has fallen since its post‑COVID peak, but that improvement hasn’t removed economic uncertainty — wage gains for lower‑paid workers have faded and job growth feels weak.
  2. Housing is a central pain point: a past run‑up in prices from very low mortgage rates plus today’s higher rates has left prices high, blocking new buyers and preventing many homeowners from moving.
  3. The economy is mixed — tech and markets are strong and unemployment is low, yet many middle‑class families feel squeezed, and policymakers are divided on how to respond.

Weekend thoughts follow up: $NYCB insider buying and mea culpa

Yet Another Value Blog • 1395 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The loan book for NYCB is in worse shape than expected, potentially facing huge losses due to rent-regulated properties and increasing expenses.
  2. Despite the challenges, NYCB has over $7 billion in tangible equity, which could help the bank navigate through the crisis.
  3. Insider buying at NYCB following a special update call shows confidence in the institution, highlighting efforts to stabilize the stock amid a tough situation.

54 Observations about Mexico

Kvetch • 168 implied HN points • 04 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Economy
  1. Mexico is deeply hierarchical and classed, so family ties, ethnic networks, and social rank strongly shape who gets opportunity and wealth.
  2. State capacity is uneven and many public goods are privatized or outsourced, which creates gated wealth, corruption, cartel influence, and wildly variable service quality.
  3. Despite dysfunction there is vibrant culture and real entrepreneurial space — great music, food, and tourism opportunities coexist with low social trust and everyday chaos.

Calling for a purge. Is "collective leadership" making a come back? Publicity right. The "death bump" & Flecktarn.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
💰 Finance Economy
  1. Some people think that economies need downturns to stay healthy. They believe these 'purges' can help reset the market.
  2. Collective leadership might be becoming more popular again. This kind of leadership could mean working together to make decisions.
  3. The world economy has mostly avoided a big recession for a long time, especially since the COVID-19 lockdowns. That's unusual and raises questions about future economic stability.

The U.S. Economy Refuses to Slow Down

The Overshoot • 1513 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The U.S. economy is showing strong growth, with hiring and sales still on the rise.
  2. Inflation is a concern as it seems to be faster than 2%.
  3. Despite a slight slowdown in some areas, overall macro conditions in the U.S. are positive with strong jobs, incomes, and spending.

"Affordability" Isn’t Really What You Think

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 246 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Median male full-time pay no longer by itself buys the single-earner middle-class life it used to, because spouses now contribute large shares of family income.
  2. Many rightwing men feel a painful loss of status when they can’t be sole breadwinners or when household authority shifts, and having more consumer goods doesn’t solve that dignity problem.
  3. For most people outside that TradLife slice, the affordability complaint is primarily about rising nominal prices and a broken social contract—especially for housing, childcare, college, and medical care—rather than a lack of real improvements in goods.

Did immigration bring down inflation?

Noahpinion • 9647 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. Paul Krugman suggests that increased immigration led to a positive supply shock, boosting growth and lowering inflation.
  2. Immigration's impact on reducing costs for companies and expanding aggregate supply is complex, involving immigrant and native-born wage dynamics.
  3. There are differing perspectives on the role of immigration in reducing inflation, with suggestions including a combination of immigration, Fed action, and pandemic-era supply shocks.

Why You Shouldn't Worry about AI Taking Jobs

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3291 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Economy
  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.

2,800 jobs to go...

Off to Lunch • 1356 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Economy
  1. Tata Steel is cutting 2,800 jobs in the UK by closing two blast furnaces to shift to electric arc furnaces.
  2. The job cuts are part of a plan to reduce carbon emissions and transform the Port Talbot facility into a center for green steelmaking.
  3. The UK faces a significant drop in retail sales, potentially signaling a risk of falling into a recession.

In a Perfect World, Powell Would Not Be Fed Chairman and Trump Would Be President

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2397 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. In a perfect world, Peter Navarro believes Jerome Powell wouldn't be the Fed Chairman and Trump would still be the President.
  2. Navarro discusses how Mnuchin convinced Trump to appoint Powell, who in turn negatively impacted the economy.
  3. Navarro criticizes Powell's policies and highlights the challenges of dealing with stagflation and the Federal Reserve's limitations.

America Won’t Exist If We Can’t Build Things

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1122 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy
  1. A country needs to be able to build and create things to be strong and successful. Manufacturing is essential for power and stability.
  2. Historically, great nations became powerful by having a strong industrial base. This strength helped them gain military power and economic influence.
  3. If America loses its industrial edge, it risks losing the dollar as the world's main currency, which could lead to a decline in its global power.

Unexplained item in the inflation area

Off to Lunch • 1316 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
💼 Business Economy
  1. Inflation in the UK rose unexpectedly, contradicting predictions from economists.
  2. The main drivers of the inflation increase were alcohol, tobacco, and government taxes on smoking.
  3. The rise in inflation may impact the Bank of England's decision on interest rates.

Lights on the runway for the soft landing

Stay-At-Home Macro (SAHM) • 1356 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economy
  1. The labor market is strong, American consumers are spending well, and most families are financially better off.
  2. Inflation is heading towards 2%, with businesses adjusting prices and the Fed needing to act accordingly.
  3. Forecasts suggest a recession may be avoided, softening the pessimistic rhetoric and improving consumer sentiment.