The hottest Trade Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Finance Topics

Henry Huiyao Wang: Chinese companies can spearhead a new wave of globalisation

Pekingnology • 52 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
💼 Business Trade
  1. Chinese companies are encouraged to go global to adapt to trade barriers and geopolitical issues. This means expanding their presence and investments in different countries.
  2. Going global can help Chinese firms gain a competitive edge and create jobs in host countries. It's a way to tackle the problems that come with globalization, like economic inequality.
  3. By investing worldwide, Chinese companies can diversify their risks and tap into new markets. This strategy not only benefits the companies but also brings economic growth to the regions they enter.

The So-Called “Experts” Have Been “Right” About “Several Crucial Things” Recently

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade
  1. Experts’ predictions have recently lined up with real outcomes, showing that their models and warnings were often right.
  2. Economists warned that tariffs would depress manufacturing, raise prices, and invite graft, and those negative effects are now visible.
  3. Strong public skepticism of experts exists on both the left and right, but recent events show expertise still matters and should be taken seriously.

Secrets of the mummy factory

The Quack Doctor • 39 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History Trade
  1. An artisan in Los Angeles made a fortune creating fake Egyptian mummies for exhibitions and museums, using intricate methods to deceive even experts.
  2. The mummy-making process involved using wood, excelsior, plaster, glue, bamboo, and human skeletons to create realistic-looking replicas sold for up to $1000.
  3. The artisan, Fisher, blurred the line between fraud and honesty, creating a large number of fake mummies and other curious artifacts for profit, then later transitioning to giving talks about his craft.

The Spritual Basis for Capitalism

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 8 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
💼 Business Trade
  1. Capitalism works like a miracle where everyone does their own thing, and somehow the economy grows without anyone in charge. It shows that people can create prosperity just by acting in their own self-interest.
  2. Intervening in the free market often does more harm than good, leading to unintended consequences and market failures. Prices send important signals about supply and demand, and messing with them can cause shortages or surpluses.
  3. Having faith in capitalism means trusting that things will work out over time, even if prices fluctuate. Realizing that we don't know everything and that sometimes we should just let systems operate leads to a healthier mindset.

Sanctions against Russia worked… sort of

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Trade
  1. Sanctions clearly reduced Russia’s official import volumes, so they had a real economic effect, but many imports continued through workarounds so the impact was only partial.
  2. Most of the replacement wasn’t from friendly manufacturers — about two‑thirds was re‑routing sanctioned goods through neighboring countries and about one‑third was substitution with third‑party products.
  3. The impact was uneven across sectors: science and technology lost roughly 30% of imported inputs while manufacturing fell about 10%, so some industries were hit much harder than others.
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¥/$ May Be Heading to ¥125

Japan Economy Watch • 239 implied HN points • 24 Mar 22
💰 Finance Trade
  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.

A Great Unravelling

Diane Francis • 339 implied HN points • 04 Oct 21
💼 Business Trade
  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 Is Africa Poor?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 59 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade
  1. Economic freedom is crucial for Africa's growth. When people can easily start businesses and trade, they can improve their lives and communities.
  2. Many African countries face heavy regulations that make it hard to start businesses. This creates barriers and leads to corruption, which makes economic freedom worse.
  3. Better trade connections and fewer rules can help Africa prosper. Countries like Mauritius show that when barriers are removed, economies can thrive and people can become wealthier.

A dive into Economy of India

Sitesh’s Substack • 2 HN points • 08 Aug 24
💼 Business Trade
  1. India's economy is growing but still has a long way to go. It currently contributes 8% to the global GDP, while having 18% of the world's population.
  2. Most of India's economic activity comes from informal sectors, making it hard to get accurate data. This leads to big challenges like high debt and low per capita income.
  3. Despite having a large population and potential for growth, India struggles with inequality and low productivity. A small part of the population contributes to most of the economic consumption.

Does A Weak Yen Really Help Japan?

Japan Economy Watch • 199 implied HN points • 12 Feb 22
💰 Finance Trade
  1. A weak yen has atrophied Japan's economic muscles as it relies on it like a crutch, impacting household income and overall economic growth negatively.
  2. Japan's export-driven growth fueled by a weak yen contrasts with Korea's growth driven by innovative products and efficiency improvements, leading to a significant difference in economic performance.
  3. The weak yen raises import prices and benefits big companies over consumers, showing how it indirectly transfers income and highlights the impact on inflation and household spending.

Wherefore pegging

featherlessbipeds • 39 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
🚌 Education Trade
  1. Bretton Woods replaced the gold standard for three main reasons - poor performance, shifting economic demands, and growing political pressure for intervention.
  2. Bretton Woods selected pegged exchange rates and control of domestic monetary policy, giving up the free flow of capital.
  3. The system experienced challenges, such as the dollar shortage in Europe, and eventually faced issues like exceeding U.S. gold supplies, leading to its vulnerability and eventual unraveling.

Into Siberia: The Long Arm of Ukrainian Intelligence and the Green Wedge

Glen’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Trade
  1. Ukrainian intelligence conducted bold and strategic attacks deep inside Russia, impacting Russian trade routes and signaling a vulnerability in Siberia.
  2. The Green Wedge, a large Ukrainian community in the Russian Far East, poses a security threat to Moscow and has historical significance in Ukrainian nationalism.
  3. The recent railway attacks in Siberia will likely escalate into a broader Ukrainian sabotage campaign in the Russian Far East, affecting Russian-China trade relations and military logistics.

Weight Loss Drugs Continue to Power Denmark's Economy

Apricitas Economics • 52 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Trade
  1. Denmark's economy is growing mainly because of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs help people lose weight and improve health, leading to increased demand and exports.
  2. The pharmaceutical boom has made Denmark one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU, with a significant rise in drug exports to the United States. This growth has greatly benefitted Denmark's GDP.
  3. Despite the economic growth, many people in Denmark aren't feeling the benefits yet. Personal spending and investment have been stagnant, even though pharmaceutical manufacturers are earning more money.

Jiang Xiaojuan on further deepening economic reforms

Pekingnology • 60 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💼 Business Trade
  1. Economic reforms in China focus on creating a level playing field. This means all types of businesses should have equal chances to compete and get resources without favoritism.
  2. There is an emphasis on letting the market decide which businesses succeed or fail. This encourages efficiency and helps the best companies thrive while weaker ones are phased out.
  3. Aligning China's economic rules with international standards is important. This helps local companies compete better globally and supports further opening up the economy.

Mark Cuban, Kobe Bryant: Two More Theories on Why the Luka Dončić Happened

House of Strauss • 37 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Trade
  1. Mark Cuban hired Nico Harrison as GM, but it seems he was not ready for the job. This has led to problems that only became noticeable later.
  2. There are underlying reasons for the issues that the NBA community is aware of, even if they don't openly discuss them.
  3. Kobe Bryant's influence and theories regarding the situation may also provide additional insights into what is happening with Luka Dončić and the Mavericks.

Digital Shōsha: How America Could Rebuild Its Industrial Trade Infrastructure

European Straits • 14 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
💼 Business Trade
  1. A new bank called Erebor is being created to support American manufacturing and tech sectors. It aims to fill the financing gap left by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.
  2. Japan's trading houses helped their economy grow after World War II by providing support in funding, logistics, and market access, which allowed manufacturers to expand smoothly.
  3. To rebuild its industry, America needs both financial support and strong trade systems. This would help companies operate better in the global market.

Canada Fires First Salvo In US/Canada Trade War, Ruining Trump's Inauguration.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade
  1. Canada has taken actions that seem to start a trade war with the U.S., which could create tension between the two countries.
  2. The situation surrounding this trade dispute impacted a major event, leading to Trump's inauguration being held indoors.
  3. These developments suggest that international relations can directly affect important political ceremonies and events.

The Roman Market Economy

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
💾 History Trade
  1. The Roman economy functioned like a market economy, thriving on trade during the Pax Romana, which helped improve living standards. Markets existed long ago, and the flow of goods among regions shows how interconnected they were.
  2. Data on prices and trade from ancient times can be hard to find, but clever techniques can help make sense of it. This shows that even with limited information, we can understand how economies worked.
  3. Economic issues like inflation and political stability often influenced each other during the Roman Empire. Events like plagues affected both money value and social order, showing that economic and historical factors are linked.

Two startups to watch, and guess which nations are our largest trading partners?

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Trade
  1. Watch out for Halcyon, a startup that just raised $100 million to fight ransomware. This is important since ransomware attacks are a growing problem for businesses.
  2. Copy.AI is gaining attention as a popular AI tool for writing. It's expanding its services and has evolved since it first launched, showing strong potential.
  3. Upcoming tariffs on imports from major trading partners like China, Canada, and Mexico could lead to increased prices. This might create challenges for startups looking to grow and seek investments.

January 27, 2025

Letters from an American • 22 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade
  1. Trump started a trade war with Colombia after they refused to let U.S. military planes land. This affected tariffs and migration agreements between the two countries.
  2. Migration patterns changed due to economic struggles in South America, pushing many migrants toward the U.S. after the pandemic. New agreements have been set up to manage these migration flows.
  3. The relationship between the U.S. and Colombia is strained, as Trump's actions risk losing a key ally in Latin America's efforts against drug trafficking and migration.

Sake Industry News. Issue #96

Sake Industry News • 19 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Trade
  1. Hiyaoroshi season is in full swing with good quality sake despite hot summer conditions.
  2. An interesting brand name dispute between a ramen restaurant and a sake brewery goes to court.
  3. FUWARI Co. Ltd introduces trading NFT purchases for sake, where each NFT corresponds to one bottle of aged sake.

The Wholesale Rape Of Canada, by the US Dollar.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💰 Finance Trade
  1. Canada has a lot of valuable resources and talent, but many Canadians are struggling with homelessness. This is partly because their economy is being affected by how the US operates.
  2. The Canadian dollar is tied too closely to the US dollar, making it harder for Canada to sell its goods at fair prices. This creates issues for Canadian businesses and workers.
  3. Many Canadians are frustrated with American influence and feel it's time to focus more on their own economy and products. This could lead to significant changes in how Canada interacts with American businesses.

Curing international trade confusion

Economic Forces • 6 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
💼 Business Trade
  1. Understanding supply and demand is key in economics. This helps clarify how different market forces interact and what might cause prices to change.
  2. Trade discussions often get confusing when people forget that supply and demand still matter. Prices adjust based on how much people want to buy or sell, which affects everything from investments to economic growth.
  3. Thinking through basic economic principles can help avoid confusion. It's important to clearly identify what factors cause changes, rather than just relying on accounting rules or assumptions about the market.

How did COVID (Really) Shape Supply Chains?

Gad’s Newsletter • 50 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
💼 Business Trade
  1. During COVID, global supply chains faced disruptions from lockdowns, shortages, and transportation issues.
  2. Companies reduced the number of countries they sourced from but maintained the same number of suppliers.
  3. Businesses adapted ordering patterns by increasing shipment size and volume while decreasing frequency, influenced by the pandemic.

On The Candlemaker's Petition

Marc Andreessen Substack • 55 HN points • 05 Mar 23
📚 Literature Trade
  1. The text discusses a petition from candlemakers in France, complaining about competition from the sun and arguing for protectionist measures.
  2. The candlemakers argue that by blocking out natural light, there will be a boost in industries related to artificial lighting, benefiting various sectors of the economy.
  3. The text challenges the idea of protecting industries from competition, highlighting that free trade and technological advancements lead to increased standards of living and overall economic growth.

What's Trump's Game on Tariffs?

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade
  1. Trump's strategy with tariffs might be complicated, but it could also be based on game theory, similar to poker. This means he could be pressuring others to make concessions while playing a risky game.
  2. Nate Silver argues that Trump could be using a rational approach to tariffs, where he leverages his power against weaker opponents. The idea is that sometimes the stronger player can force the weaker player to back down or give in.
  3. However, relying on incorrect strategies can lead to failure. If Trump's inputs are wrong, his rational approach could result in negative outcomes for America.

Illumina Sanctions

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Trade
  1. Illumina might face sanctions in China due to trade tensions. This situation is unusual for a company focused on genetic technology.
  2. Their revenue in China was only 7% of their total, which is about $75 million. It's important to note that this revenue has been decreasing since 2022.
  3. Even with these potential sanctions, the overall impact on Illumina is expected to be minor. Their business in China isn't as significant as it may seem.

The asbestos times

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🔬 Science Trade
  1. Asbestos, once favored for its fireproof properties, faced a downfall as its health risks became evident.
  2. Asbestos, a naturally occurring material, was widely used for its fireproof and durable qualities in various applications.
  3. The global use of asbestos declined due to health concerns, leading to bans in many countries and the development of alternative materials.

Cascading Collapse: Navigating the Tumultuous Future of Global Economy and Energy

Anima Mundi • 20 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💰 Finance Trade
  1. The global economy is facing challenges due to a disconnect between production and mounting debt.
  2. Focusing on green energy alone may not solve the economic crisis caused by resource scarcity.
  3. Potential scenarios after a financial crash include the possibility of relying on Bitcoin, challenges in returning to the gold standard, and the slow burn decline of the global economy.

Some tariffs are worse than others

Economic Forces • 7 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Trade
  1. Tariffs can hurt jobs and the economy, especially when they target parts instead of finished products. This can raise costs for manufacturers and lead to job losses.
  2. Not all tariffs are created equal; some can actually help domestic industries if designed carefully, but they can also create odd workarounds that waste resources.
  3. Policymakers need to think carefully about how they set tariffs. Simple solutions often lead to complex problems that can waste money and resources.

Popes are good for business

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
💼 Business Trade
  1. Pope John Paul II traveled to many countries, visiting 129 in total, which is more than all the previous popes combined. His trips brought attention to smaller and developing nations.
  2. Visits from the pope seem to boost trade for the countries he visits. This is especially true for poorer nations, which can get international focus during his trips.
  3. Countries with a large Catholic population see an even bigger increase in trade after a papal visit. The pope acts like a powerful trade ambassador when he travels.

Companies don’t wait for tariffs to come into effect

Klement on Investing • 2 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💰 Finance Trade
  1. Companies often raise prices immediately when there are announcements of new tariffs. They do this to prepare for higher future costs even before tariffs actually take effect.
  2. Retailers have shown that price increases on imported goods tend to stay high, even if tariffs are later paused or reversed. This suggests that once prices go up, it can be hard for them to come back down.
  3. The price changes from tariffs could impact inflation in the US economy. This means the Federal Reserve may need to pay close attention to these trends to manage economic stability.

What is Going on With These Tariffs?

Economic Forces • 4 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade
  1. Tariffs are often seen as not helpful for goals like reducing trade deficits, so many economists criticize them. However, understanding the different reasons behind tariffs can help us see their impact better.
  2. The motivations of policymakers when using tariffs can be complex and aren’t always clear in traditional economic discussions. If we consider these motivations, we might get a clearer picture of their potential effectiveness.
  3. It's essential to look beyond conventional views in economics to really understand how policies affect the real world. Digging deeper into these ideas can help us think differently about economic policies.

Russia's Withdrawal From the Ili River Valley in 1881 - Vsemirnaya Illyustratsiya, 1882 & Ivan Poklevsky-Kozell, 1885

The Library of Alexandria Ultima • 8 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🌐 International Trade
  1. The Ili Valley was a region of strategic importance that Russia eventually relinquished to China in 1881, marking a unique retreat in Central Asia.
  2. The handover of the Ili Valley to the Chinese involved resettling the local population, who chose to move to Russian territory, expressing concerns about Chinese rule.
  3. The Ili Valley, particularly Kuldja, was described as a vital economic and industrial center with rich resources, but its transfer to Chinese control raised military concerns for Russia.