Last Updated on Dec 6, 2023 by Anjali Chourasiya
It’s a shoutout time! I have selected my favourite newsletters, which I wait to read every week.
So, what do you expect out of this list?
Do not expect anything that relates to share markets only. There’s more to unravel in the world of economics and business. I know what you will say – We have apps on our phones. Yes. You do. But do they give us something more than just news? Do they add knowledge? Or show a different perspective or a newer world?
I like those newsletters that make me think about worldly affairs or help me build mental models. And that too, without paying anything or even opening any other app. So, let me tell you my favourites. The order does not convey anything.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Indian economics newsletters to subscribe
1. Menaka Doshi’s India Edition by Bloomberg
Seldom do we find anything for free from Bloomberg. This newsletter is a treat. Menaka Doshi is the senior editor at Bloomberg.
In her words, the newsletter gives “…ringside view of the billionaires, businesses and policy decisions behind India’s rise as an emerging economic powerhouse.” The newsletter starts with one piece of news. She explains and analyses it in 700-1000 words. The topics are related yet unpredictable. You want to click the email, even though the title is not a clickbait.
After that piece, she gives a bunch of links under the heading ‘What I’m Reading…’. She mentions which one of those is free to read. So, that’s a bonus. Then, we see a big, bold number. Below that, there’s information about that number. These changes in the design catch your eyeballs, and you scroll to read more. Then, there’s a smaller piece of infrastructure news in the country. Yes. Something different, isn’t it?
I like her writing style. It gives a senior journalist vibe, too. The editing is awesome. Every writer gets these three tips: “Less is more”, “Use active voice”, and “Use action verbs”. I think she ticks these boxes at ease.
Frequency: Weekly; Day: Thursday.
Link to Menaka Doshi’s India Edition
2. This Week in Data from India Datahub
Each week, the government or some authority releases statistical data on India’s economy. Business newspapers report it. They cite comments from eminent economists, saying whether it is a positive or negative update. You will not have time to track them daily, nor will you be able to connect the dots at that moment. This newsletter will solve that problem.
Ashutosh Datar, the co-founder of India DataHub, discusses every such update of that week and connects the dots with other sectors of the economy, capital markets and world Economics.
Depending on the complexity and number of updates, the length changes. It is mostly around 700-800 words. The writing style is more conversational, and the text is not too data–heavy. So, you will never get bored. Agreed, reading financial data can be boring, but every update comes with a paragraph and a colourful chart. Finance nerds will like it. Zerodha shares this newsletter on social media platforms.
Also, if you log in to India DataHub’s website, you can see the data by yourself and can play around with it. Isn’t that interesting?
Frequency: Weekly; Day: Saturday.
Access This Week in Data here.
3. The Arc Bulletin
The Arc is all about technology. I don’t follow the tech and startup world so much. But I discovered this by accident. However, I do not read it on a regular basis as I am not eager to know about these companies daily.
They send two types of emails. One is news-based. In that, you will find two main stories. Those will have 3-4 bullet points. These are sufficient for a person like me. But if you want to know more, you click a button, and you will be directed to a larger piece presented in bullet format. Then, there’s a weekly update email giving a summary of what happened that week. The usual topics discussed are funding, IPOs, business updates, M&, etc.
The website says, “The Arc’s storytelling and formats are designed to work for you. Sharp, packed with facts, and free.” This is true.
Frequency:
- Random;
- Weekly; Day: Sunday
Link to The Arc Bulletin – Here.
4. EconForEverybody, Ashish Kulkarni
If you have spoken to a person a couple of times and then read their blog, do you tend to read it in their voice and tone? Because I do this for Ashish’s blog.
Firstly, he writes daily, which is commendable. He shares his thoughts on what he read or observed. The length varies: from a couple of sentences, a 300-word paragraph to a 1000-word essay. Most of the content is grounded in economic theories. But I like how he relates it to day-to-day things around us.
Secondly, he brings out the teacher in him and explains complex concepts and events in simple language. He justifies the name ‘economics for everybody’. It is literally for everyone.
The best thing about his blog is that it helps us think about different things – not only about economic theories, data, and events but also about how to think, build mental models and understand how complex the world around us is.
You can binge on his blog. Trust me.
Frequency: Daily.
Access EconForEverybody here.
5. Easynomics by Vivek Kaul
Vivek Kaul doesn’t need an introduction. A regular Mint reader knows how great he writes. I find his articles wholesome and easy to read. After reading him, I feel like going on the drawing board and writing like him. But then reality hits. It’s difficult to write complex topics in a simple language. That’s why Amit Varma calls him Shahrukh Khan of economics.
The articles are long. Yes, they run like a story. He immerses us in the world of economics and finance through pop culture references, his own life stories, and memes. He quotes a film dialogue, a cricket reference or a quote from a book at least once in his newsletter. That’s your cue to read that book next.
He can connect anything to economics. But they don’t feel forceful. He brings up a current topic, busts a finfluencer trend, and aims at financial awareness among retail investors. On a side note, his Twitter (or X) threads are equally engaging.
Frequency: Weekly; Day: Wednesday.
Link to Easynomics
These are not paid promotions. I feel people should try reading once, if not follow them. While
curating this list, I kept four things in mind. One gives different flavours within the world of finance and economics. Two, balancing both formal and conversational writing styles. Third, having people from diverse backgrounds. Lastly, there should be something to read every day.
Let me know your experience after reading them, and share your go-to newsletters. If you want a review of any other newsletter, book, or podcast, ping me on my social media handles.
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