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The Indicator from Planet Money 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.
The Indicator from Planet Money

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The Indicator from Planet Money

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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.

Most Recent Episodes

The Economics of Everyday Things: Pizza (Box) Time!
Freakonomics

The Economics of Everyday Things: Pizza (Box) Time!

Today, we're sharing an episode of a podcast that we've enjoyed, and think you will, too! It's called The Economics of Everyday Things. It's made by the Freakonomics Radio Network and on each of its episodes, host Zachary Crockett uncovers the hidden stories behind ordinary things! Stock photos, girl scout cookies, and cashmere sweaters, you name it.

The Economics of Everyday Things: Pizza (Box) Time!

Listen · 15:40
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Why the US economy is still the envy of the world

Workers on scaffolding lay blocks on one of the larger buildings at a development site where various residential units and commercial sites are under construction. Keith Srakocic/AP hide caption

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Keith Srakocic/AP

Why the US economy is still the envy of the world

The Economist's Simon Rabinovitch argues the U.S. economy has a set of structural advantages that have allowed it to perform remarkably well in the last couple of years compared to other developed countries. But could President-elect Donald Trump's second term in office put that edge at risk? Adrian Ma spoke with Rabinovitch for a recent episode of The Indicator. This episode is an extended cut of their conversation, previously released for Planet Money+ supporters.

Why the US economy is still the envy of the world

Listen · 17:11
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Student loans are back, U.S. travel is whack, and AI — please, step back
KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/Getty Images

Student loans are back, U.S. travel is whack, and AI — please, step back

It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at the some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news.

Student loans are back, US travel is whack, and, AI, please, step back

Listen · 9:25
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Who's advising Trump on trade?
Ken Ilio/Getty Images

Who's advising Trump on trade?

President Trump has not been afraid to tack on tariffs over and over again. Allies and foes alike are anxiously wondering if the tariffs will stick or whether a trade deal will be made. On today's episode, we take a look behind the curtains of the White House administration and examine the advisors whispering into Trump's ear.

Who's advising Trump on trade?

Listen · 9:29
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Dealmaker Don v. Tariff Man Trump
David Cantor/Associated Press

Dealmaker Don v. Tariff Man Trump

Donald Trump grew up learning to make deals. He's also loved tariffs since the 1970s.

Dealmaker Don v. Tariff Man Trump

Listen · 9:23
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China's trade war perspective
Pedro Pardo/AFP

China's trade war perspective

By now, you've heard a lot about how the U.S.-China trade war is affecting American consumers, businesses and the stock market. But how is the trade war being felt in China? Today on the show, two of NPR's in-house China experts, Emily Feng and John Ruwitch, explain the view from China.

China's trade war perspective

Listen · 9:31
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A trap-loving DJ takes on economics
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A trap-loving DJ takes on economics

It's time for The Indicator Quiz! We test you, dear listener, on your knowledge of topics that we've covered on The Indicator.

A trap-loving DJ takes on economics

Listen · 9:29
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Economic lessons learned from Investopedia (and Ferris Bueller)

Ben Stein as an economics teacher in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" CBS via Getty Images hide caption

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CBS via Getty Images

Economic lessons learned from Investopedia (and Ferris Bueller)

The current economic upheaval has lots of us scrambling for our glossaries and history books.

Economic lessons learned from Investopedia (and Ferris Bueller)

Listen · 9:29
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Did Trump enable insider trading?

On April 9, President Trump posted on Truth Social, "THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT." Jennie Sohn/AP Illustration hide caption

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Jennie Sohn/AP Illustration

Did Trump enable insider trading?

On the morning of April 9, President Trump posted on Truth Social "THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT." Around four hours later, he announced a pause on some new tariffs, causing a stock market spike. Now, Democrats are demanding an investigation into possible insider trading. But were Trump's posts actually insider trading?

Did Trump enable insider trading?

Listen · 9:15
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The spat over VAT
Javier Zayas Photography/Getty Images

The spat over VAT

If you've ever passed through airport customs overseas and been refunded a VAT — or value added tax — for souvenirs, you've benefited from the VAT system. But President Trump says VAT is unfair to the U.S. On today's episode, we learn what VAT is and what it isn't.

The spat over VAT

Listen · 9:29
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