The hottest Monetary Policy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Finance Topics

Bonds are the Ultimate Shitcoin

The Dollar Endgame • 399 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23
💰 Finance Investing Economics Banking Debt Monetary Policy
  1. Bonds are facing significant challenges with the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes and inflation, causing a major downturn in the bond market.
  2. Bonds are crucial in the financial system and act as a form of money, affecting various sectors like banking and exposing risks in durations and interest rate movements.
  3. The bond market's current struggles are indicative of larger economic issues, with potential consequences for inflation, debt, and decisions by the Federal Reserve.

Ayahuasca and the Simulacrum

The Dollar Endgame • 359 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
💰 Finance Economy Markets Central Bank Derivatives Monetary Policy
  1. Jorge Luis Borges' fable "On Exactitude in Science" explores the concept of representation and the consequences of abstractions overtaking reality.
  2. Psychedelics like Ayahuasca can challenge our perceptions by dissolving the ego and blurring boundaries between the self and the external world.
  3. The modern financial system, with its heavy reliance on derivatives, has created a simulacrum that central bankers manipulate, leading to a dangerous dependence on fake money.

Can monetary policies inflate a stock market bubble?

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Trends Monetary Policy Economic Analysis Stock Market
  1. Easy money policies from central banks can create bubbles in the stock market. When interest rates are low for a long time, investors tend to take more risks.
  2. Looking at historical events, many market crashes followed a time of low interest rates. It shows that keeping rates low can lead to excessive speculation.
  3. Currently, the US stock market is believed to be slightly overvalued, but not in a bubble. Some analysts think markets are around 10% to 20% above fair value right now.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The NY Fed Trading Desk's Time to Shine?

The Overshoot • 373 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
💰 Finance Central Banks Market conditions Government debt Bond Market Monetary Policy
  1. Central banks should consider being more active in making markets for government debt directly.
  2. During the Covid crisis, bond dealers did not step in to stabilize markets, prompting central banks to intervene.
  3. Constraints on dealers may have led to market instability, prompting discussion on potentially revising regulatory choices.

How Much Change When BOJ Eventually Tweaks? Part 1

Japan Economy Watch • 139 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Economic conditions Interest Rates Central Banking Inflation
  1. Interest rate changes depend on both BOJ policy and financial market conditions, and a policy tweak is likely to result in a gradual, minor impact on rates.
  2. BOJ's intention appears to be maintaining accommodative financial conditions by making small adjustments to policies like the overnight rate and yield curve control.
  3. BOJ's decision-making process is influenced by the balance of risks in moving too early or too late, with a focus on clear evidence of sustained wage growth before significant policy changes.

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.

There Are Three Ways to Get Rid of Inflation. One Is "Impossible" and One Will Destroy the Country.

Surviving Tomorrow • 314 implied HN points • 18 May 23
💰 Finance Inflation Taxation Wealth Distribution Monetary Policy Economic Theory
  1. Inflation impacts different groups differently: savers punished, poor robbed, debtors rewarded.
  2. Eradicating inflation can be done by destroying the working class, taxing the rich, or creating anti-inflation money.
  3. Anti-inflation money involves investing in new assets, taxing back excessive money, and destroying it for common well-being.

What causes inflation? Economists Radhika Desai & Michael Hudson explain

Geopolitical Economy Report • 378 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
💰 Finance Inflation Federal Reserve Monetary Policy De-dollarization
  1. Inflation is driven by a shift to financialized capitalism, where assets are inflated while wages and consumer spending are squeezed.
  2. Central banks like the Federal Reserve prioritize the interests of the financial sector over addressing inflation or promoting productive growth.
  3. The current inflationary environment is rooted in financial bubbles, debt creation, and the failure to address the structural imbalances in the economy.

The Fed's New Rescue Mechanism

Concoda • 513 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💰 Finance Federal Reserve Banking System Monetary Policy Financial Stability
  1. The Federal Reserve's Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) is expiring after being used to address financial panic and market stimulation caused by banks' underwater assets.
  2. Following a series of bank failures in the aftermath of COVID-19's speculative boom, the Fed introduced the BTFP to provide a confidence boost and stabilize markets.
  3. The BTFP evolved into a risk-free arbitrage opportunity for banks, leading to its rapid increase in volumes before its sudden discontinuation in March 2024.

The Future Monetary System (From: Regulators)

DeFi Education • 439 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Payment Systems Cryptocurrency Banking Regulation
  1. The Federal Reserve's new service called FedNow will start on July 1st. It will allow people to send and receive money instantly, anytime, day or night.
  2. This real-time payment system is much faster than traditional banking, which can take days for transactions to clear.
  3. With FedNow, transferring money will take only seconds, making it easier for everyone to manage their finances.

Wage Hikes in April Fail Their First Test

Japan Economy Watch • 299 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
💰 Finance Economy Monetary Policy Wages Inflation Consumption
  1. Wage hikes in April in Japan fell short of expectations, rising only by 1% instead of the predicted 2%, indicating a potential setback for interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.
  2. Real wages in Japan have been dropping for years, not just a temporary post-Covid issue, leading to reduced consumer spending and overall economic impact.
  3. The slow wage growth in Japan has implications on inflation rates, with the Bank of Japan waiting for a 3% nominal wage hike to consider monetary policy changes.

Can Bitcoin Save The U.S. Dollar?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 23 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency Monetary Policy Economic Theory International Trade Government Policy
  1. Some politicians suggest creating a Bitcoin reserve for the US, thinking it could help the dollar's value and stability. They believe having Bitcoin might make the US economy stronger.
  2. Having reserve assets like Bitcoin is not as necessary for the US dollar, which is already powerful globally. The dollar doesn't need extra support from things like Bitcoin because it's already widely used.
  3. Adding Bitcoin to the US reserve wouldn’t really help the dollar; it might just serve to enrich some investors. The government should focus on what truly supports the economy, not on trendy assets.

The Keynesian Liquidity Trap Fable

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 19 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Economics Investment Market Analysis Banking
  1. People often think the economy fails because consumers save too much and spend too little. But saving isn't always bad; it can help strengthen the economy if done right.
  2. When banks lower interest rates to encourage spending, it sometimes backfires. Instead of spending, people might just save more, leading to a 'liquidity trap' where money isn't flowing in the economy.
  3. Expanding the money supply might make it seem like the economy is growing at first, but if savings decline due to previous bad policies, this can actually hurt the economy in the long run.

The Big Bond Week

Ironsides Macroeconomics 'It's Never Different This Time' • 137 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
💰 Finance Economy Monetary Policy Investments Bonds Market Analysis
  1. The FOMC meeting and the Treasury's Quarterly Refunding Announcement are key events affecting policy and market reactions.
  2. Investors are closely watching for details on rate cuts, balance sheet reduction, and labor conditions.
  3. The upcoming employment report could impact policy decisions, especially in relation to labor demand and supply.

Cannibal Spirits

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 22 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💰 Finance Market Trends Investment Strategies Economic Policy Risk management Monetary Policy
  1. Markets can go both up and down, which is a natural part of freedom in trading. It's important to understand that fluctuations are normal.
  2. The term 'animal spirits' is often used to explain market behavior, but many believe it's overused and doesn't accurately describe what's really happening.
  3. There's a perception that the financial system is rigged, relying heavily on inflation and debt, which can create skepticism about the true state of the markets.

Reading the Mind of BOJ Chief Ueda

Japan Economy Watch • 279 implied HN points • 22 May 23
💰 Finance Economy Inflation Monetary Policy Wages GDP
  1. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda is determined to maintain current policies and resist pressure to raise interest rates, emphasizing the importance of waiting for sustained 2% inflation before making any changes.
  2. Japan's inflation is mainly cost-push due to external factors like energy and food prices influenced by global events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with wage hikes seen as essential for achieving the desired price and wage growth balance.
  3. A key aspect for Japan's economic recovery and future inflation rate is the slow GDP growth, indicating that the economy is operating below capacity, which poses challenges for potential consumer inflation.

The Japanese Maginot Line

The Dollar Endgame • 239 implied HN points • 13 Aug 23
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Central Bank Interest Rates Government debt Quantitative Easing
  1. The Bank of Japan's shift in monetary policy caused chaos in FX and stock markets. The volatility in bond markets led to unscheduled bond-buying operations.
  2. Yield Curve Control aims to keep bond yields in a tight range to suppress yields and maintain accommodative monetary policy. This strategy becomes crucial in Japan with high government debt.
  3. The BoJ is strategically intervening in bond rates, pushing them back down whenever they approach a certain threshold. They aim to maintain confusion and market control.

Gold Is Back—And So Is Judy Shelton

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 25 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💰 Finance Investing Gold Banking Monetary Policy Economic Theory
  1. Gold prices are rising due to economic and geopolitical concerns, attracting more interest from central banks. This suggests that many countries are starting to value gold again.
  2. Judy Shelton proposes a new kind of bond that would let people redeem their bonds for gold or dollars, giving the public more control over their money. This could help stabilize the economy.
  3. Shelton believes that moving back to a gold standard could improve trust in the financial system and reduce government control over money supply, which many people see as a good thing.

The Fed's Global Dilemma

Concoda • 794 implied HN points • 01 May 23
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Global Finance Financial Stability Central Banking
  1. The banking system has evolved significantly post the 2007/08 Great Financial Crisis, leading to changes in global monetary standards and U.S. central bank's mechanisms.
  2. Regulatory standards like LCR, NSFR, and SLR have transformed major financial institutions into stable entities, impacting their ability to engage in certain financial activities.
  3. The Federal Reserve introduced new mechanisms like Jaws of the Fed™ to control money market rates and ensure financial stability, but faces a dilemma with vulnerabilities in its global lower jaws.

Macroeconomics with Price Theoretic Foundations

Economic Forces • 5 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💰 Finance Macroeconomics Price theory Financial Markets Asset Pricing Monetary Policy
  1. Understanding finance is really important for macroeconomics. It helps us figure out how markets work and how different factors impact the economy.
  2. The no-arbitrage principle in finance shows that prices should adjust quickly to eliminate profit opportunities. This means that if something is cheaper in one place, it won't stay that way for long.
  3. We can analyze macroeconomic theories using tools from price theory. This allows us to test predictions and better understand how things like interest rates and asset prices relate to the economy.

The Fed & the Central Banking Order of Operations

Without Warning • 196 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
💰 Finance Central Banking Monetary Policy Inflation Communication
  1. Central banks follow a specific order of operations during financial crises, involving rate cuts, quantitative easing, and emergency liquidity facilities.
  2. Dallas Fed President raised the idea of separating asset runoff from rate adjustments, suggesting that the balance sheet and rate policy can be independent during market instability.
  3. Fed officials are discussing the possibility of actively growing the balance sheet during monetary tightening, signaling a potential shift from the traditional central banking order of operations.

The Treasury's Gambit

Concoda • 653 implied HN points • 27 May 23
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Financial Markets Central Banking
  1. Monetary leaders are implementing new tools to prevent instability in the bond market and stimulate risk assets without central bank assistance.
  2. Regulatory constraints have hindered major liquidity providers in the Treasury market, leading to the need for Treasury buyback programs to enhance liquidity.
  3. The U.S. Treasury is set to conduct buyback programs in 2024 to manage cash, boost liquidity, and potentially lower expenses and yields in the secondary Treasury market.

Is Inflation In 2024 Fueled By Supply Or Demand?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 11 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💰 Finance Inflation Economics Monetary Policy Supply Chain
  1. Inflation in 2024 could be caused by supply issues, like hurricanes and strikes, which disrupt the availability of goods and services.
  2. Much of the high inflation seen after the pandemic was actually driven by demand rather than just supply problems.
  3. As supply conditions improve, inflation rates might decrease, but currently, tighter monetary policy and slowed spending suggest that inflation could remain high.

The Repo Market Rewire

Concoda • 264 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Market structure Liquidity
  1. The Repo Market is undergoing significant changes, with a shift to a secured monetary standard and challenges in the system prompting new adaptations.
  2. The Repo Market has become more systemic and fragmented, with different regions defined by various participants, securities, and settlement methods.
  3. The presence of triparty and interdealer markets within the Repo Market highlights the importance of central clearing in reducing risks and enhancing liquidity among major financial players.

Nobody Expected Our Current Interest-Rate Configuration

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
💰 Finance Interest Rates Monetary Policy Economic outlook Federal Reserve Inflation
  1. Many were surprised by the current interest-rate situation in the US, with rates significantly higher than expected.
  2. Market changes in 2022 led to a drastic increase in long-term real safe interest rates, signaling shifts in Federal Reserve policy.
  3. The current interest-rate configuration, considerably higher than anticipated, raised concerns about a looming recession among experts.

June Wages and Consumer Spending Disappoint Again

Japan Economy Watch • 159 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
💰 Finance Economy Monetary Policy Wages Consumer spending Inflation
  1. Wages in Japan were lower than expected in June, leading to a decrease in real consumer spending. This could impact interest rates and the value of the yen.
  2. Increasing base pay is crucial for long-term financial stability for workers, compared to relying on overtime or bonuses.
  3. The Bank of Japan's policy decisions are influenced by data on wages and inflation, impacting interest rates and the value of the yen.