The Indicator from Planet Money

The Indicator from Planet Money

NPR (podcasts@npr.org)
Business
en-us
A bite-sized show about big ideas. From the people who make Planet Money, The Indicator helps you make sense of what's happening in today's economy. It's a quick hit of insight into money, work, and business. Monday through Friday, in 10 minutes or less.

Episodes (53)

How much is AI actually affecting the workforce?

How much is AI actually affecting the workforce?

September 04, 2025 9m
There’s been a lot of big talk about how artificial intelligence is going to replace white collar workers. But what data do we actually have around AI’s impact on the workforce? Today on the show, we...
So long, farewell, super cheap tariff-free shopping

So long, farewell, super cheap tariff-free shopping

September 03, 2025 9m
In late July, President Trump signed an executive order to get rid of de minimis, a kind of a loophole where packages valued less than $800 could come into the US without tariffs. Last week, post...
Inside the illegal vape boom

Inside the illegal vape boom

September 02, 2025 9m
A booming underground vape market is thriving. It’s unapproved, unregulated, and risky. Today on the show, we hear from The Atlantic’s Nick Florko to dig into why illegal vapes have flooded the U.S.,...
AI creeps in, KATSEYE milkshakes, and China says “Zaijian!” to US soybeans

AI creeps in, KATSEYE milkshakes, and China says “Zaijian!” to US soybeans

August 29, 2025 9m
It’s … Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today’s episode: AI shuts out youth from the grind, China leaves U.S. soybeans behind,...
What olive oil tells us about Trump's tariffs

What olive oil tells us about Trump's tariffs

August 28, 2025 9m
Trump's tariffs are making business harder for international olive oil producers and it turns out those tariffs are even complicating other parts of the Trump administration's agenda, too. Today on...
Trump's unprecedented attack on the Fed

Trump's unprecedented attack on the Fed

August 27, 2025 9m
Last night, President Donald Trump posted a letter firing Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook. The reason? She was accused of listing two properties as her primary residences, which potentially...
Three ways companies are getting around tariffs

Three ways companies are getting around tariffs

August 26, 2025 9m
Businesses are scrambling for ways to minimize the impact of the Trump administration’s global tariff policy. Today on the show, we go over some of the tricks and legal loopholes that companies are...
Can you copyright artwork made using AI?

Can you copyright artwork made using AI?

August 25, 2025 8m
Copyright is the legal system used to reward and protect creations made by humans. But with growing adoption of artificial intelligence, does copyright extend to artwork that’s made using AI? Today on...
Job retraining and the brain, DC dining, and Robinhood's sports bet

Job retraining and the brain, DC dining, and Robinhood's sports bet

August 22, 2025 9m
It’s … Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today’s episode: Job retraining boosts mental health (with more mixed results for...
What happens when railroads get hitched

What happens when railroads get hitched

August 21, 2025 9m
Two freight-rail giants could make history if their $85 billion merger gets approved. Union Pacific’s proposed marriage with Norfolk Southern would create the first coast-to-coast rail network. So why...
Cobalt-free batteries reign in Chinese EVs. Why not the US?

Cobalt-free batteries reign in Chinese EVs. Why not the US?

August 20, 2025 9m
There’s been an era-defining race underway between two types of batteries used in electric vehicles: lithium batteries that use cobalt, and ones that use iron phosphate. Cobalt, a metal with a...
How algorithms are changing the way we speak

How algorithms are changing the way we speak

August 19, 2025 9m
Social media has birthed an entire lexicon replicated by millions online — even if these words don’t actually mean skibidi. On today’s show, we talk to author Adam Aleksic about how TikTok and...
Three innovations pushing the medical field forward

Three innovations pushing the medical field forward

August 18, 2025 9m
Innovation is crucial for long-term economic prosperity. One area where that’s happening aplenty: medical technology. From a cancer vaccine to an Alzheimer’s blood test to a life-changing exoskeleton,...
The nepo baby premium, frothing markets, and Apple vs. Apples

The nepo baby premium, frothing markets, and Apple vs. Apples

August 15, 2025 9m
It’s … Indicators of the Week! Our rapid run through the numbers you need to know.  On today’s episode: John Legend croons; CPI inflation soothes; Same job as mom? You’ll earn more, dude; Apple vs....
Why every A-lister also has a side hustle

Why every A-lister also has a side hustle

August 14, 2025 9m
Seemingly every celebrity has their own brand these days, whether it’s booze (Cameron Diaz, Matthew McConaughey) or cosmetics (Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga) or squeezy food pouches (Jennifer Garner). Today...
Why Trump's spending bill could close your grocery store

Why Trump's spending bill could close your grocery store

August 13, 2025 9m
Trump’s tax and spending law makes the largest cut in history to one of the nation’s biggest safety net programs. Today on the show, we explore how cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance...
The arduous system for getting aid into Gaza

The arduous system for getting aid into Gaza

August 12, 2025 9m
Insulin needles. Sleeping bags. Nutella. These are items Arwa Damon’s charity — International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance — has tried to send to Gaza and Israel has rejected. It’s a glimpse...
What we're reading on the beach this summer

What we're reading on the beach this summer

August 11, 2025 9m
It's time for our annual beach reading recs. Today we bring you three books, with a little economic learning to boot. Our recs: Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service edited by Michael...
More for Palantir, less for mRNA, and a disaster database redemption arc

More for Palantir, less for mRNA, and a disaster database redemption arc

August 08, 2025 9m
It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: Palantir crosses a billion dollars in quarterly revenue (what do...
The legal case for — and against — Trump's tariffs

The legal case for — and against — Trump's tariffs

August 07, 2025 9m
President Trump's new round of tariffs took effect today. It will bring in billions of dollars to the government, in part paid for by U.S. importers who can decide whether to pass that cost onto...
What you need to know about the jobs report revisions

What you need to know about the jobs report revisions

August 06, 2025 9m
Why do revisions to the jobs report happen? Today on the show, we speak with a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics about why revisions occur and how we should interpret the monthly...
Can we still trust the monthly jobs report? (Update)

Can we still trust the monthly jobs report? (Update)

August 05, 2025 7m
Since his return to office, President Trump has waged something of a pressure campaign on economic data and the people in charge of delivering it. His firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics...
What really goes on at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Update)

What really goes on at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Update)

August 04, 2025 9m
On Friday, we reported on the latest jobs numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which showed weaker than expected growth. On Friday afternoon, President Trump fired the person in charge of...
How you're using AI at work

How you're using AI at work

August 01, 2025 9m
AI is a hot topic for both employers and employees in the workforce. That's why we wanted to hear from our listeners about how they are using AI at work. Today on the show, we explore the good, the...
Why the Fed could lose $1.5 trillion

Why the Fed could lose $1.5 trillion

July 31, 2025 9m
The Fed is on the hook for an estimated one-and-a-half trillion dollars. Despite the recent headlines, that's not because of building renovations. It's a much larger cost blowout caused by big actions...
The risk of private equity in your 401(k)

The risk of private equity in your 401(k)

July 30, 2025 9m
Private equity is a risky business. There are high-highs and low-lows. A retirement plan, on the other hand, is meant to be a reliable beast. But President Trump believes your 401(k) can handle it! On...
The hottest multilateral club doesn't include the US

The hottest multilateral club doesn't include the US

July 29, 2025 9m
BRICS is an economic alliance of countries that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and several other nations. They met earlier this month to discuss everything from international law...
A baby bonds bonanza

A baby bonds bonanza

July 28, 2025 9m
Baby bond fever is catching on. In recent years, states like Connecticut have been experimenting with giving newborns government-seeded accounts that grow tax-free until they are 18. Now, President...
Nigeria notches new highs, Magic gathers millions, and crypto climbs

Nigeria notches new highs, Magic gathers millions, and crypto climbs

July 25, 2025 9m
It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: Nigeria gets a GDP surprise, Magic the Gathering mutes tariff...
How to beach on a budget

How to beach on a budget

July 24, 2025 9m
It's the Beigie Awards, our eight times a year salute to the art and science of telling stories about the economy. The most recent Beige Book shows that Americans are finding ways to spend less money...
When Uncle Sam owned banks and factories

When Uncle Sam owned banks and factories

July 23, 2025 9m
The quintessential American economic myth is that the free market picks winners and losers. But the federal government has long had a role in this equation, from the current administration all the way...
Lunch with the man who coined TACO

Lunch with the man who coined TACO

July 22, 2025 8m
Despite presidential saber rattling and huge tariff threats, the U.S. stock market keeps reaching record highs. Why?Today we sit down with the man who coined the acronym TACO (Trump Always Chickens...
Your tinned fish obsession is helping resurrect a lost industry

Your tinned fish obsession is helping resurrect a lost industry

July 21, 2025 8m
Once upon a time, the states had a thriving tinned fish market. Like a lot of U.S. manufacturing though, that's been lost. But sardines are having a moment right now and that may help a growing effort...
Bonus episode: The Indicator plays... movie business trivia!

Bonus episode: The Indicator plays... movie business trivia!

July 20, 2025 14m
To cap off our weeklong series on all things Hollywood, we're going to have a little fun! Tune in to hear Adrian, Darian and Wailin battle it out as they try to name movies based on cryptic...
The Indicator from Planet Money

Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media

July 18, 2025 2m
Act now to ensure public media remains free and accessible to all. Your donation will help this essential American service survive and thrive. Visit donate.npr.org now.Learn more about sponsor message...
Are you not entertained ... by our movie-related indicators?

Are you not entertained ... by our movie-related indicators?

July 18, 2025 9m
The movies come to Indicators of the Week. We dig into why one film is letting you reserve tickets a whole year in advance, what ticket prices might tell us about tariffs and inflation, and how Los...
When is cosplay a crime?

When is cosplay a crime?

July 17, 2025 9m
Cosplay—or dressing up as your favorite character from pop culture—is fun! But it can fall into a legal gray area when it comes to companies' intellectual property. Today on the show: a group of...
The story of China and Hollywood's big-screen romance

The story of China and Hollywood's big-screen romance

July 16, 2025 9m
No country can come close to the amount of money Americans spend at the box office each year ... that is, until China came along. The US and Chinese film industries have a long intertwined history,...
Why aren't filmmakers shooting in LA?

Why aren't filmmakers shooting in LA?

July 15, 2025 9m
Despite being, ya know, Hollywood, more and more movies and TV shows are shooting outside of Tinseltown. Dozens of U.S. states and many countries offer subsidies for film production. This has drawn...
Before La La Land, there was Fort Lee, New Jersey

Before La La Land, there was Fort Lee, New Jersey

July 14, 2025 9m
Hollywood, baby! The glitz! The glamour! The ever-changing business models! This week, The Indicator is going to the movies. Starting today with the history of Hollywood and where it began ... New...
Red tape indicators: sports betting, R&D and click-to-cancel

Red tape indicators: sports betting, R&D and click-to-cancel

July 11, 2025 9m
We are back with Indicators of the Week! Today, we'll be digging into why U.S. professional gamblers are worried about their future, why businesses might start investing more in research and...
Could Meta do more to protect us from cyber scams?

Could Meta do more to protect us from cyber scams?

July 10, 2025 9m
Many small businesses are online now, but so are cyber criminals trying to take advantage. On today's show, how one bar owner fell victim to a Facebook scam and if big tech could do more to protect...
Can you afford to evacuate ahead of a disaster?

Can you afford to evacuate ahead of a disaster?

July 09, 2025 9m
We are just at the start of hurricane season, and we're already seeing the danger and tragedy brought on by storms. There's another cost that gets much less attention, but it's a gamble everyone in...
Will the tax cuts pay for themselves?

Will the tax cuts pay for themselves?

July 08, 2025 8m
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is now law. It's expected to cost the government a pretty penny. The Congressional Budget Office predicts a $3.4 trillion increase in the deficit over ten years. This is...
Why can't we insure trees?

Why can't we insure trees?

July 07, 2025 9m
In the U.S., we insure most everything we sell. So why not trees? Today on the show why trees aren't insured like other crops, and what it would take to get that insurance with extreme weather events...
One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away (EXTENDED VERSION)

One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away (EXTENDED VERSION)

July 04, 2025 20m
This episode was first published as a bonus episode for our Planet Money+ listeners. Today, we're making it available for everyone! U.S. aid helped Eswatini and Lesotho, two small countries in...
How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforce

How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforce

July 03, 2025 9m
The Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants might be the most profound change in the American labor market right now. Industries that rely on immigrant labor are especially vulnerable, as ICE...
Tech layoffs, recession pop and more listener questions answered

Tech layoffs, recession pop and more listener questions answered

July 02, 2025 8m
We are back with another edition of listener questions! In this round, we tackle recession pop, why the job market feels so crummy for IT grads, and whether President Trump saying that Walmart "eat...
We're nearing 'peak population.' These economists are worried

We're nearing 'peak population.' These economists are worried

July 01, 2025 9m
Over the past century, the world's human population has exploded from around 2 billion to 8 billion. Meanwhile, the average fertility rate has gradually declined. And if that trend continues as it...
Can Starlink stay ahead in satellite internet?

Can Starlink stay ahead in satellite internet?

June 30, 2025 9m
Whether you're watching Love Island in an RV or streaming a playlist in a remote California campground, if you're using satellite internet, odds are you're using Elon Musk's Starlink.Today on the...
Babies v climate change; AI v IP; bonds v world

Babies v climate change; AI v IP; bonds v world

June 27, 2025 9m
It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: Could more babies change the climate in a big way? Why did a U.S....
We're gonna need a bigger boat-building industry

We're gonna need a bigger boat-building industry

June 26, 2025 8m
During World War II, the U.S. shipbuilding industry flourished. Now, it's nearly non-existent. China is the dominant shipbuilder in the world economy. On today's show, we look at what happened to...
One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away

One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away

June 25, 2025 9m
What's the price to save a human life? We examine the monumental legacy of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) with journalist Jon Cohen, who traveled to Eswatini and Lesotho...

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