The hottest Global Markets Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Finance Topics

Top Links 653 How US asset managers are muscling into Europe. Japan restarts its reactors. Who buys guns? Mexico's energy revolution.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investment Economics Global Markets Regulation Energy
  1. US asset managers are starting to play a bigger role in Europe, which could change the market dynamics there.
  2. Japan is bringing its nuclear reactors back online, impacting energy policies and production.
  3. There's a growing discussion about who is buying guns, which raises questions about safety and regulations.

Persistent Weak Layer

Crypto Trader Digest • 2023 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Bitcoin Investing Global Markets Geopolitics
  1. A Persistent Weak Layer (PWL) in avalanche science is a weak layer of snow that can lead to dangerous avalanches. Understanding these layers is important for safety in avalanche-prone areas.
  2. Geopolitical conflicts, especially in the Middle East, can create financial market risks. Issues like energy price spikes and military actions can substantially impact investments, particularly in crypto markets.
  3. Bitcoin could potentially rise in value if energy prices go up due to geopolitical conflicts. It is seen as a store of value, especially during times of inflation or war, making careful management of investment positions crucial.

Top Links 619 The payments presidency. The coming rupee shock. Musk’s space juggernaut. Saffron in polycrisis.

Chartbook • 329 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💰 Finance Payment Systems Fintech Cryptocurrency Economic Trends Global Markets
  1. There's a focus on how fintech and payments are shaping politics, especially relating to Trump's presidency. It's interesting to see money technology playing such a big role in politics.
  2. India is facing potential challenges with its currency, the rupee, which could create economic shockwaves. People should keep an eye on how this may affect the global economy.
  3. Musk's ventures in space are being discussed, highlighting the impact of private companies on space exploration. It's exciting to see how the future of space travel is changing because of new technologies.

The Great Reset: From Startups to What's Next

European Straits • 60 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups Finance Economics Innovation Global Markets Entrepreneurship
  1. Europe has struggled to create big tech companies like those in the US and China. It's due to issues like culture differences and less investment, which make it harder for companies to grow big.
  2. The US has certain advantages, such as a large market and easier access to funding, that help companies succeed. In Europe, money tends to be concentrated with a few wealthy families, making startups struggle.
  3. Even if startups seem to be fading, there's still a chance for new tech and ideas to emerge, especially with things like AI. Companies are likely to focus on efficiency rather than just rapid growth.
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Top Links 559 Will there be dollar-renminbi dramas in garbage time? Central bank independence in SE Asia & Sartre, Anderson, Jameson.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💰 Finance Global Markets Economics Central Banking Currency Exchange Financial Policy
  1. There could be important developments regarding the dollar and renminbi exchange rates in the near future. This might affect global economics significantly.
  2. The independence of central banks in Southeast Asia is a key topic worth watching. Their decisions can impact regional economies and policies.
  3. The work and ideas of philosophers like Sartre, Anderson, and Jameson are still relevant today. They offer interesting perspectives that connect to current issues.

Top Links 537 TIGER indices looking grim. South Sudan's misery. The 1990s revisited and Soldier's Paradise.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💰 Finance Economic Policy Global Markets Data Analysis International relations
  1. The TIGER indices are showing a negative trend, indicating economic challenges ahead. This suggests that global economic recovery may be slower than expected.
  2. South Sudan is facing significant difficulties, highlighting ongoing humanitarian issues. These problems need urgent attention to improve the situation for its people.
  3. There are connections being made to the 1990s, suggesting that some current geopolitical situations may resemble past conflicts. This raises concerns about the repetition of history in today's world.

Top Links 541 US profits have a long way to fall. Africa's new gold rush. Laos' fx reserves running low & the crisis in the Sahel.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💰 Finance Corporate Profits Economic Trends Global Markets Resource Management Financial Crises
  1. US corporate profits are expected to decline significantly in the future. This could impact the economy and stock markets.
  2. Africa is experiencing a new wave of interest in gold mining. This could bring economic growth to the region.
  3. Laos is facing a shortage of foreign exchange reserves, which may lead to a financial crisis. Additionally, the Sahel region is experiencing ongoing challenges and instability.

Is there an "Africa penalty" in sovereign ratings by credit agencies?

An Africanist Perspective • 831 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Debt Management Global Markets
  1. African economies like Kenya, Benin, and Cote d'Ivoire are showing positive signs with oversubscribed Eurobonds, indicating a possible end to fiscal squeezes and future growth.
  2. There is criticism against credit rating agencies for their negative biases towards African sovereigns, highlighting issues like limited in-country knowledge, pro-cyclical downgrades, and high baseline borrowing costs.
  3. African countries face information challenges due to their informal economies and limited policy autonomy, hampering accurate signals to credit markets. Improving transparency, building credibility, and enhancing understanding between governments and rating agencies are crucial for economic growth.

Beijing's Bubble Bursts Part 1

Diane Francis • 779 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💰 Finance Economics Investment Real Estate Global Markets Debt crisis
  1. Taiwan's recent election saw a victory for William Lai, which was not welcomed by Beijing and highlighted tensions between the two regions.
  2. China's stock exchanges have dropped significantly, with mainland markets falling by 6-7% and Hong Kong by 12%, signaling economic struggles.
  3. The financial issues with Evergrande Group, a major property developer, have led to a court-ordered liquidation, exposing the dangers of China's real estate bubble.

Catch Me If You Can

Net Interest • 15 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Asset management Economic Analysis Global Markets
  1. The US stock market has significantly outperformed Europe over the last 15 years, with US stocks providing much higher returns compared to European stocks.
  2. European companies lag behind in major tech innovation, lacking equivalents to successful US companies like Amazon and Google, which has contributed to their slower growth.
  3. Recently, there has been a shift in sentiment among investors towards Europe, with increased interest and consolidation in the asset management industry, indicating potential for future growth.

S&P Addiction

Investment Talk • 707 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investing Benchmarking Performance Global Markets Wealth Management
  1. Benchmarking can be a humbling but necessary process for investors to evaluate their performance relative to others.
  2. Choosing a benchmark is crucial for measuring investment success, considering time, effort, and opportunity costs involved in managing a portfolio.
  3. Fund managers and advisors use benchmarks for various reasons like performance evaluation, risk assessment, and ensuring accountability to clients.

Why Are Gold And The Dollar Trading Together?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment Commodities Market Trends Economic Policy Global Markets
  1. Gold and the US Dollar are sometimes moving together, which can indicate stress in the global market. This unusual connection raises questions about economic stability.
  2. Central banks influence both gold prices and the dollar's value. Higher interest rates can make the dollar seem more appealing, but many still look to gold to protect against inflation.
  3. Events like political chaos and wars can make people feel uncertain, leading them to invest in gold as a safe option during tough times.

Country Risk: A July 2023 Update

Musings on Markets • 739 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
💰 Finance Risk Assessment Investment Analysis Economic Factors Global Markets
  1. Country risk factors include political systems, corruption, legal protections, and violence, which all affect how safe it is to do business in different countries.
  2. Democratic countries often have continuous risks from changing governments, while authoritarian regimes can present sudden and severe risks, making it tricky for businesses to decide where to invest.
  3. Corruption adds hidden costs to businesses operating in affected regions, making it crucial for companies to understand both the visible and hidden risks in their chosen markets.

NY Times is wrong on dedollarization: Economist Michael Hudson debunks Paul Krugman's dollar defense

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Currency International Trade Global Markets US Hegemony
  1. Economist Michael Hudson debunks Paul Krugman's arguments on de-dollarization, highlighting historical economic misconceptions by Krugman.
  2. Krugman dismisses the importance of controlling the world's reserve currency, arguing it's overrated, but fails to address the impact of capital flows on currency values.
  3. Krugman's defense of the US dollar relies on tautological reasoning, stating the dollar is powerful because it's widely used, without acknowledging geopolitical shifts away from the dollar.

Endgame #1

The Dollar Endgame • 359 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
💰 Finance Economics Global Markets Currency International Trade Cryptocurrency
  1. Argentina is facing a severe economic crisis with massive currency devaluation and high inflation, but there is hope for stabilization with proposed governmental changes and monetary reforms.
  2. China's property market is experiencing significant challenges, with key real estate firms facing default, worker payment issues, and the country slipping into deflation, raising concerns for a possible global recession.
  3. The BRICS alliance, particularly China and Russia, is strategizing to lessen dollar dominance by expanding membership and discussing possible alternatives, like involving major oil exporters and establishing a new reserve currency, amidst complexities and challenges in implementing such changes.

A Momentous Shift.

News Items • 176 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💰 Finance Global Markets Investors Economy India China
  1. Investors are pulling billions of dollars from China and shifting focus to India
  2. Wall Street giants like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are endorsing India as a prime investment destination
  3. India is becoming a popular choice for various global investment firms and even conservative investors

Pause for the cause

Energy Flux • 176 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Global Markets Energy security Geopolitics
  1. The Biden administration's decision to pause LNG export approvals has many implications for European energy security.
  2. Global gas markets are reacting to Biden's 'pause' on US LNG export approvals.
  3. The post discusses various angles related to the impact of the LNG export pause and its connection to the decarbonisation agenda.

De-dollarization Attack

Diane Francis • 559 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
💰 Finance Currency Economics Global Markets Monetary Policy International Trade
  1. The US Dollar is seen as a stable and reliable currency globally, much more so than other national currencies and cryptocurrencies. This stability comes from a strong economy and the trust in its government.
  2. Russia's attempts to promote the use of the Chinese Yuan and create a new currency are unlikely to weaken the dominance of the US Dollar. In fact, they may end up increasing China's dependency on dollar reserves for stability.
  3. While there is some competition in global currencies, none are poised to replace the dollar until they are backed by strong, dynamic economies that have military power and stable governments.

The Sword of Damocles

The Dollar Endgame • 319 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💰 Finance Global Markets Economic Theory Central Banks Currency Markets Monetary Policy
  1. The global financial system heavily depends on the US dollar, causing a constant demand for dollars worldwide.
  2. Triffin's Dilemma and the Dollar Milkshake Theory highlight the systemic risks and implications of the US dollar's dominance.
  3. The Fed plays a critical role in stabilizing the global financial system by supplying dollars; any missteps could lead to widespread financial instability.

Saturday Commentary and Review #154

Fisted by Foucault • 323 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Geopolitics Censorship Currency Global Markets Political Influence
  1. Poland experienced challenges with judicial reform and resistance to western liberal mandates.
  2. There is a shift towards illiberal methods in the name of defending democracy, exemplified by actions in Poland and Germany.
  3. Efforts to de-dollarize economies like China's seek to strengthen financial security and reduce vulnerabilities in the global economic system.

The Best New Podcast by Far

Christopher’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
💼 Business Podcasts Entrepreneurship Investing Global Markets Technology
  1. When exploring new markets, it's important to understand and respect the local distinguishing factors and adjust go-to-market strategies accordingly.
  2. In emerging markets, there is a growing trend of revolutionizing traditional, local businesses with technology and data tools to create efficiency.
  3. AI is just as transformative and widely used in emerging markets as it is in Silicon Valley, with entrepreneurs embracing AI tools for operational efficiency.

The Greek Analyst exposing himself...

The Greek Analyst • 579 implied HN points • 22 Aug 21
💼 Business Startups Economics Geopolitics Global Markets Cryptocurrency
  1. The Greek Analyst is transitioning from sharing short takes on Twitter to longer, in-depth content covering startups, economics, geopolitics, and more.
  2. Greece and Europe are showing resilience and growth in the tech industry, offering promising opportunities and a rich landscape for tech advancements.
  3. Europe and Greece are entering a golden age for tech, with a flourishing startup scene, significant investments, and a shift towards risk-taking, leading to a bright future in innovation.

Ning Gaoning on How Sinochem bought Syngenta

Pekingnology • 30 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Mergers Acquisitions Corporate strategy Finance Global Markets
  1. Ning Gaoning played a key role in significant mergers and acquisitions in China. His leadership at major companies helped shape the chemical industry in the country.
  2. The acquisition of Syngenta by ChemChina was the largest overseas buy by a Chinese company, costing over $43 billion. This move aimed to upgrade China's agricultural technology and meet international standards.
  3. Financing large acquisitions is complex and required careful planning. ChemChina successfully collaborated with Sinochem to secure funding through a combination of loans and bonds for the Syngenta deal.

Chinese V. Premier He Lifeng's message for foreign investors

Beijing Channel • 3 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Investment Economics Trade Global Markets
  1. China is actively inviting foreign investors by promoting reforms and a clearer business environment. They're saying that it's a good time for businesses to cooperate and invest in China.
  2. Vice Premier He Lifeng has been meeting regularly with international business leaders. This shows that China is really focusing on its economic growth and wants to strengthen ties with foreign companies.
  3. China aims to ease market access and further open its financial sector to attract more foreign businesses. They believe this will help improve their economy and create more opportunities for everyone.