[Aperocky]

I think this is purely focused on the supply side and neglecting demand and its role in the economy.

The world economy today isn't driven by lack of supply (for the vast majority categories of products), rather it is by lack of demand. Whoever owns the demand owns the power in this dynamic. One can have all the factories in the world when consumer stop buying it's in for a rough time, like China is finding out.

[immibis]

Demand can be easily manufactured, it seems. Just look at all the bullshit people buy, from fidget spinners to timeshares to ready-made chocolate cake.

[ryandrake]

We have entire industries dedicated to creating demand for things that would otherwise not be demanded (advertising), and enabling people to buy things they cannot afford (debt). I'd expect both of these industries to balloon during the late stages as people get further squeezed out of voluntarily participating in the economy.

[shiroiushi]

I don't think anyone with half a brain is buying a timeshare these days. Those things have been going down for many years now I think. They were a stupid fad, and the fad's over. Of course, some new bullshit fad will come along for people to waste their money on.

What's wrong with ready-made chocolate cake? Freshly-baked might be better, but there is value in convenience. It's the same reason people buy pizza: if you're a master pizza chef and have a proper pizza oven at home, you could probably make a better pizza, and of course have it a bit fresher, but most people simply can't make a pizza that comes close to those made in real pizza ovens by people who make them every day. Some people don't even have an oven in the first place.

[corimaith]

On an aggregate level, no. Those things you've listed only occur when times are good and the gravy train is running. In a recession or hyperinflation it's a different matter altogether. China would certainly want that magical ability for their economy right now if they could.