Most of us are interested in complex systems, and the economy is a very complex system, and discussing the outcome of some of the most significant blunt changes to this system counts as "intellectually satisfying"?

Also, it's going to affect all our lives somehow, even if we're not watching from the inside.

Good hackers don't need to worry about layoffs? It seems like the economy has been showing warning signs for a little while now, despite the stock market performance.

Nothing says "intellectually curious" like assuming your interests are the only valid ones.