The hottest Investment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Fannie and Freddie: Single Family Serious Delinquency Rates Decreased in May

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The serious delinquency rates for single-family homes have decreased slightly in May. This shows some improvement from the previous month.
  2. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's delinquency rates are still higher than they were last year, but they are below pre-pandemic levels.
  3. Multi-family delinquency rates are nearing their highest levels since 2011, not counting the pandemic, indicating some stress in that sector.

Behold The Era Of Fartcoin’s Majesty

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 47 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Fartcoin, a joke cryptocurrency, has become surprisingly valuable despite having no real use or worth. It suggests that many current investments are just speculative bets.
  2. The rise of Fartcoin reflects extreme risky behavior in investing, turning financial markets into a sort of gambling game where people chase quick profits without understanding the risks.
  3. The situation hints at deeper issues in the economy, where excessive money printing and lack of market discipline could lead to a significant crash or a loss of confidence in financial systems.

Investors grade Tesla's self-driving event, and why you shouldn't compare OpenAI to Google

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. Tesla's latest self-driving event didn't impress investors, suggesting they expected more excitement or better features. The company aims to roll out full self-driving cars soon, but many wonder if it will be enough to justify its high stock value.
  2. OpenAI is experiencing rapid growth, but comparisons with older tech giants like Google and Meta may not be fair. These companies were already profitable when they achieved significant growth, unlike OpenAI, which is still figuring out its financial footing.
  3. The success of companies like OpenAI could skew perceptions of growth in the tech sector. While OpenAI's growth is impressive, the context of its competition and market conditions is important to understand its value.
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California Home Sales Down 1.9% YoY in January; 4th Look at Local Housing Markets

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 38 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. California home sales fell by 1.9% in January compared to last year. This drop marks the first year-over-year decline in eight months.
  2. The median price for homes in California decreased from December but is still 6.3% higher than a year ago. This shows mixed signs in the housing market.
  3. Inventory of homes for sale increased significantly, up 27.4% year-over-year. More homes are available now, which could change the dynamics of the market.

Fannie and Freddie: Single Family and Multi-Family Serious Delinquency Rates Increased in November

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 47 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. In November, both single-family and multi-family serious delinquency rates went up. This means more people are having trouble paying their housing bills.
  2. Freddie Mac reported that the single-family serious delinquency rate increased slightly to 0.56%. Even though it rose, it's still lower than pre-pandemic levels.
  3. The overall trend shows that while delinquency rates are increasing, they are still relatively low compared to before the pandemic hit.

The "Neutral" Rate and Implications for 30-year Mortgage Rates

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 38 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The neutral rate, which helps determine monetary policy, has increased back to levels seen before the financial crisis. This means current monetary policy might not be restricting the economy as much as previously thought.
  2. Some economists believe that the actual neutral rate is higher than expected, which could indicate that interest rates may not be as high as people fear.
  3. Fed Chair Powell agreed that the neutral rate has risen significantly since before the pandemic, suggesting a change in how we should view economic policy now.

Mara deleverages

Miner Weekly • 59 implied HN points • 07 Jan 23
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Marathon Digital adhered to its hodl strategy despite market turbulence in 2022, closing with 12,232 BTC and increased liquidity.
  2. Mara reduced revolving credit and paid off debts in December with capital injection, facing volatile stock prices.
  3. 36% of Mara's bitcoin holdings were restricted as of Dec. 31, secured against loans, with a safety net against a decrease in Bitcoin value.

House hacking a $675k duplex in Dallas

The Leonard Letter • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Analyzing a real estate deal requires considering various financial aspects like mortgage, expenses, and rental income
  2. It's crucial to calculate potential expenses for maintenance, repairs, and vacancies to assess the overall profitability
  3. Before investing in a property, evaluate if the financial investment aligns with the income generated to avoid significant losses

SEC's ETF Verdict Today

Daily Digest • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The SEC's decision on spot Bitcoin ETFs is expected soon and could impact trading.
  2. The SEC's Twitter account was hacked, causing fake ETF approval news.
  3. Bitcoin developer Luke Dashjr's proposal to stop 'spam' NFTs was rejected.

Series A activity: Week of January 1, 2024

Magid and Co • 19 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Only 3 Series A deals were announced in the first 7 days of 2024, 93% less than last year
  2. Investors seem to be holding back, with a significant drop in deal activity despite the usual trend after Thanksgiving
  3. Uncertainty looms on whether there will be more unannounced deals or if the market is frozen in the upcoming weeks

A Personal AI-Transformation Survival Guide

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. AI will change many aspects of our lives, including economics and cultural values. It's important to think about what resources and skills will be valuable in this new world.
  2. Cash might not be a safe bet as AI impacts the economy, making it important to consider other assets like stocks or cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
  3. Diversifying your skills is crucial. Relying on just one job or skill could leave you behind, so it's good to learn a mix of things that require human creativity and insight.

Berkshire's Next Buy?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 14 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. The author is just guessing which company Berkshire might buy next. It's not a solid prediction, but more of a fun exercise in thinking like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger.
  2. Berkshire Hathaway has a lot of cash available, which gives them opportunities to make significant investments.
  3. This post is intended for paid subscribers, suggesting that there might be more detailed insights available to them.

Bitcoin Lending: The Trojan Horse

The Held Report • 13 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. Bitcoin lending can seem convenient, but it often requires giving up control of your Bitcoin to banks and custodians, which goes against the idea of self-custody and sovereignty.
  2. When you deposit Bitcoin with a custodian, they can treat your assets like their own, risking your ownership and leading to potential losses, similar to what happened with past exchanges.
  3. Using platforms like Mezo allows you to borrow against your Bitcoin without losing control, helping you achieve financial goals while keeping your assets secure.

Inflation Adjusted House Prices 1.1% Below 2022 Peak

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 38 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. House prices adjusted for inflation are currently 1.1% lower than their peak in 2022. This shows that even when prices rise, the increase may not match inflation.
  2. The price-to-rent index is also lower than its 2022 peak by 7.8%. This means it might be cheaper to rent compared to buying right now.
  3. National house prices are historically high, being 11.6% above the previous housing bubble peak. However, price growth may slow down in the near future.

California Home Sales Down Slightly YoY in June

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. California home sales slightly decreased in June compared to last year. Even though there was a small rebound from previous months, the overall sales were still down.
  2. The median home price in California fell to $899,560, dropping below $900,000 for the first time in three months. This decline is affected by market uncertainty and high mortgage rates.
  3. Inventory levels saw significant growth, with total active listings rising over 40% year-over-year. However, new listings also declined, which might balance supply and demand in the future.

Steve Cohen Wants To Spend $8 Billion To Transform Citi Field Into An Entertainment District

Huddle Up • 34 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Steve Cohen, the owner of the Mets, plans to spend $8 billion to turn the area around Citi Field into a fun entertainment district.
  2. His vision includes parks, hotels, restaurants, and even a casino, all without using any taxpayer money.
  3. Cohen wants to create a better experience for fans, showcasing his commitment by hosting special fan events and spending heavily on player contracts.

Bravo to NPI

Jérôme à Paris • 145 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Northland Power signed major financings for offshore wind projects in Poland and Taiwan.
  2. Northland Power and their partners were able to find solutions to complete the projects despite challenges like inflation and geopolitical tensions.
  3. The industry needs more companies like NPI and Enterprize Energy that are focused on getting things done.

Jevons Paradox

davidj.substack • 35 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Jevons Paradox shows that when something becomes cheaper to use, people tend to use more of it, which can actually lead to higher overall consumption. This means that efficiency gains may not reduce usage as expected.
  2. When teams save money through efficiency, they're likely to spend their budgets on new projects instead of cutting costs. They want to use their saved money to create more value.
  3. Using tools that are easier and more efficient can lead to discovering new ways to use them, increasing overall spending on those tools instead of cutting back. This often justifies bigger budgets for future projects.

How to Think Like a VC When Evaluating a Startup Role

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Before joining a startup, it's important to evaluate the market. Ask yourself if it’s growing and if the company has a chance to succeed.
  2. The team is crucial to success. Look into their backgrounds and how well they work together to see if they can achieve their goals.
  3. Understand the business model and financial health of the startup. Make sure there's a clear path to revenue and that you’re getting a fair deal if you decide to join.

The Business of AI in Life Sciences

Axial • 14 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Investing early in life sciences is crucial for innovative ideas to grow. Supporting good inventors helps bring new health solutions to life.
  2. Partnerships with passionate founders are key in building successful startups. Working together can turn great ideas into reality.
  3. The focus on AI in life sciences can lead to breakthroughs that improve healthcare. Technology is changing how we discover and develop new treatments.

Five grand challenges of offshore wind financing in the United States

Jérôme à Paris • 121 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Offshore wind energy in the U.S. faces challenges like financing in early stages, policy support, workforce development, transmission barriers, and scaling floating wind technologies.
  2. There is a need for structural changes and alignment across various sectors to support the rapid growth of offshore wind energy in the U.S.
  3. Despite challenges, the U.S. has favorable conditions for offshore wind energy expansion and overcoming obstacles requires collaboration between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and regulators.

How The Los Angeles Dodgers Used Analytics To Become MLB's Most Feared Team

Huddle Up • 46 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Investment
  1. The Dodgers became very successful by investing a lot in analytics over ten years. This helped them make smart decisions that improved their performance.
  2. Their analytics-driven approach changed the team's fortune, turning them into MLB's second-most valuable team. It shows how important data can be in sports.
  3. Winning two World Series Championships in four years highlights the effectiveness of their strategies. It's a great example of how teamwork and strategy can lead to big successes.

Equal Ventures is Hiring Associates

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Equal Ventures is hiring two Associates for its investment team in New York to work on industry research, investment analysis, and portfolio support
  2. Candidates with 2-4+ years of experience in consulting, equity research, private equity, or investment banking are encouraged to apply, along with those who are intellectually curious, passionate about startups, professional, self-directed, and friendly
  3. Potential applicants are required to email their LinkedIn profile, resume, and answer specific questions related to industry sectors, investment opportunities, contrarian beliefs, and personal passions, with responses expected within 2 weeks

What Happened to the OCC's Chief Fintech Officer?

Fintech Business Weekly • 133 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. The OCC's Chief Fintech Officer mysteriously disappeared from his role, raising questions about his background and qualifications.
  2. CFPB Director highlights Apple and Google's control over mobile payments, calling out potential anti-competitive practices.
  3. FDIC's Q2 Banking Profile shows declining net income, slightly reduced net interest margins, and continued unrealized losses in banks' securities portfolios.

How a group of Berkeley researchers took over the chip industry

Bold & Open • 12 HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. Creating open standards can encourage innovation by involving new actors and breaking monopolies in industries that previously depended on closed protocols and tools.
  2. Sharing new open protocols with those still relying on closed ones can lead to increased collaboration and improvements within an industry.
  3. Enabling open licenses for products can increase adoption by commercial companies, fostering innovation and allowing for more significant involvement from various actors in an industry.

Introducing Ghost - A B2B marketplace to solve for >$1T of excess inventory

Equal Ventures • 59 implied HN points • 19 Jul 22
💼 Business Investment
  1. There was a significant rise in excess inventory due to supply chain challenges, leading to potential losses of over $1T annually.
  2. Ghost is a B2B marketplace created to help brands manage and liquidate excess inventory efficiently.
  3. The founders of Ghost, Josh Kaplan and Dee Murthy, demonstrated remarkable success with the platform in a short period, showing strong product-market fit.

Y Combinator Bets on New Space Startups

Space Ambition • 1 HN point • 09 Aug 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Y Combinator is investing more in SpaceTech startups, with over 30 companies in their portfolio, showing a growing interest in space innovation since 2015.
  2. Most successful startups in Y Combinator's SpaceTech program have founders with aerospace backgrounds, often from well-known companies like SpaceX or NASA, which helps attract funding.
  3. The current accelerator batch has some exciting new startups, including those focusing on data centers in space and advanced weather balloons, indicating fresh ideas in the space sector.

Three Pieces, May 2025

Breaking Smart • 16 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🔮 Crypto Investment
  1. Bad influences in crypto are harming the good parts of it. It's important to be aware of these negative trends, especially with how politics and finance are mixing.
  2. The political push against crypto can be troubling, especially with changing laws in the U.S. It's crucial to think about what the future of crypto really means for everyone.
  3. Creative writing about protocol technology is growing. Recent contests are showcasing fun and thought-provoking stories about how we might work and live with new tech.

The second era of fintech

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investment
  1. Fintech is experiencing significant growth again, with companies like Plaid and Klarna showing increased revenue and plans for IPOs. This is a positive sign for the industry after a tough period.
  2. The market has changed how it values fintech revenue, with some companies seeing a drop in their revenue multiples. This creates challenges for startups looking to raise funds or sell.
  3. There’s a lot of optimism in tech startups, especially with advances in AI and improvements in battery technology. Many founders are working on exciting projects that could change the industry.

Founders, what can you learn from the OpenAI debacle?

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. Make sure your board members really care about the company's success. They should have a stake in it, either by working there or owning shares.
  2. When board members leave, replace them quickly. A shrinking board can lead to risky decisions and power plays.
  3. Don’t fill your board with just 'yes men' or only investors. You need a mix of people who will challenge you and support innovation.

The fight for global AI supremacy, and Steve Bannon versus the Tech Right

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Investment
  1. The U.S. government has new rules for exporting AI chips, with different restrictions for various countries. This change has caused a lot of backlash from tech companies, who fear it may hurt America's competitive edge.
  2. OpenAI released a new plan to help the U.S. stay ahead in AI technology, focusing on better communication between the government and AI businesses. They want to ensure that innovation continues without compromising safety.
  3. There is a growing conflict between different factions within the Republican Party regarding tech policies. Steve Bannon is openly opposed to Elon Musk's influence, hinting at some power struggles in the upcoming administration.

Evaluating Startups

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Investment
  1. Startups need to prove their technology works by showing that credible research supports their approach. If only their own team has evidence, that's a red flag.
  2. External validation is important. When a trusted partner checks and confirms that the startup's work is real, it builds investor confidence.
  3. Investors are often more focused on potential profits and selling their investment than on whether the startup is currently making money. They want to see if someone else would buy in based on the startup's promise.

How do companies react to geoeconomic pressures?

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
💼 Business Investment
  1. Tariffs, sanctions, and export controls raise input and sales prices and generally reduce sales and profit margins, with tariffs having the biggest price effect.
  2. Firms that are targeted by others' export controls or tariffs are most likely to boost domestic investment and R&D and consider bringing production home.
  3. Overall, these measures rarely achieve broad backshoring; instead they mainly increase costs for consumers and squeeze company profits.

Series B Activity: October 2023

Magid and Co • 19 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
💼 Business Investment
  1. The post provides data on Series B deals done in October 2023
  2. The data focuses on Series B deals worldwide (excluding China) that raised more than $5M and were not in the therapeutics sector
  3. The post offers a summary of statistics for Series B deals