The Indicator from Planet Money

Follow The Indicator from Planet Money
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

A little show about big ideas. From the people who make Planet Money, The Indicator helps you make sense of what's happening today. It's a quick hit of insight into work, business, the economy, and everything else. Listen weekday afternoons.

NPR

Donate to The Indicator from Planet Money


    • Jul 23, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 1,846 EPISODES

    4.7 from 8,794 ratings Listeners of The Indicator from Planet Money that love the show mention: love planet money, vanek, thanks planet money, love stacey, cardiff, like planet money, indicators, interesting economic, inverted, thank you stacey, thanks stacey, love stacy, it's not easy, 10 minute podcast, tariffs, economics interesting, best 10 minutes, economic stories, current economic, economics fun.


    Ivy Insights

    The Indicator from Planet Money podcast is a fantastic show that provides insightful and accessible economic analysis in a short and digestible format. As a millennial who has experienced the economic ups and downs of recent years, I appreciate the transparency and reporting about my lived economic experience.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to break down complex financial concepts and make them easy to understand. The hosts, Wailin and Patty, do an excellent job of presenting information in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible to listeners of all backgrounds. The show consistently delivers interesting and informative episodes that provide valuable insights into various economic topics.

    Another great aspect of the podcast is its ability to cover a wide range of economic issues in just ten minutes or less. Whether it's discussing the latest trends in the job market or exploring the impact of policy decisions on the economy, the show manages to provide comprehensive analysis that leaves listeners feeling informed and engaged.

    However, one downside of the podcast is that sometimes it focuses too much on big troublesome economics instead of incorporating lighter, more fun stories. While I appreciate their coverage of important economic events, it would be nice to see more episodes dedicated to goofy economic stories that can provide a lighthearted break from heavier topics.

    In conclusion, The Indicator from Planet Money is an exceptional podcast that offers valuable insights into the world of economics. Its short length, breezy tone, and informative content make it an enjoyable listen for anyone interested in staying up to date on economic news and trends. Despite occasional missed opportunities for lighter content, this podcast remains highly recommended due to its ability to make economics accessible and engaging for listeners.



    More podcasts from NPR

    Search for episodes from The Indicator from Planet Money with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Indicator from Planet Money

    Can Paramount "gift" its way past the FCC?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 9:44


    Paramount's $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery has a few hurdles ahead of it. One of them is an FCC approval. But a recent investigation shows that Paramount and the FCC have a dubious relationship, one with potential conflicts of interest.Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — Why Paramount went looney tunes for Warner Bros.Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's weekly newsletter!— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Can Y'all Street outflank Wall Street?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 8:21


    Biz-friendly Texas is opening a stock exchange, built and based in the state. Can it become—or best—Wall Street? And how has politics influenced the birth of Y'all Street?Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — ESG bans cost TexasConnect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's weekly newsletter!— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Tale of Two Cities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 8:39


    The formerly sleepy economies of suburban Austin, Texas and Syracuse, NY are getting two new semiconductor chip plants. They're bringing thousands of jobs and dollars to the area but while Austin's housing market seems to be handling the change well, Syracuse is in the midst of an affordability crisis. On today's show, why?Fact checking by Sierra Juarez. Your Next Listen — A solution to the housing shortage?Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Why doesn't the US have better sunscreen?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 9:40


    Why has the Food and Drug Administration taken so long to approve new sunscreens? Unlike the rest of the world, the FDA only just approved its first new ingredient in nearly three decades. We learn about a proposal to speed up drug and sunscreen innovation, and a skincare influencer who lobbied for change. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.  Your Next Listen — The sneaky way companies get new chemicals into our foodConnect with The Indicator— Sign up for The Indicator's weekly newsletter! — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    New NPR Series: "We Keep Us Safe" from the Embedded podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2026 3:23


    In the summer of 2020, sixteen-year-old Antonio Mays Jr. traveled a thousand miles to join the racial justice movement of his generation in the wake of George Floyd's killing. Antonio arrived in Seattle during the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest, known as CHOP. Less than a week later, he was shot and killed there. The case remains unsolved.In this eight-part series, hosts Sydney Brownstone of The Seattle Times and Will James of KUOW team up with NPR's Embedded to investigate Antonio's death. They track down key eyewitnesses and surface crucial evidence that's never been made public.Find "We Keep Us Safe" in the Embedded podcast feed.Listen to Embedded wherever you get your podcasts, including the NPR App, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Spotify, and via RSS.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    The Strait of Hormuz no-fee, China cuts down on pollution and IMAX's economic Odyssey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 10:21


    It's Indicators of the Week (now on YouTube!). On today's episode: What happened to Trump's proposed Strait of Hormuz fee?; China's pollution takes a dip … and maybe solves a mystery?; IMAX is expensive. But BIG. (For our eyes and theater owners.) Fact checking by Julia Ritchey and Cooper Katz McKim. Your Next Listen —The curious rise of novelty popcorn bucketsConnect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Why the Pope wants to disarm AI

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 8:08


    Over 100 years ago, Pope Leo XIII wrote a seminal letter encouraging workers to unionize in the face of industrialization. The current Pope Leo XIV in his seminal letter warned of an economic disruption from today that threatens workers - Artificial Intelligence.Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — Jobs numbers, immigrants in healthcare, and ... Jesus Christ?Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's weekly newsletter!— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Why your neighbor might be paying less for their car

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 8:57


    Many Gulf states like the United Arab Emirates are diversifying away from oil, but how do you actually measure that? After China resumed buying American soybeans, what are farmers doing now? And is your neighbor paying less for their car than you? Today on the show, we explore YOUR listener questions. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez & Emma Ferrara. Your Next Listen — What do farmers do in a trade war? Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Can the internet survive AI summaries?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 9:57


    AI summaries are gaining traction and making the potential for a “zero click web” increasingly real. What does that mean for the internet as we know it today? Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — AI is pumping out books. Are they any good?Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Young people aren't paying their car loans. We can help.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 9:13


    About one in 20 car loans made to young people are in serious delinquency. That's the highest rate since the global financial crisis. Today on the show, former FDIC chair Sheila Bair answers young listeners' car buying questions. Sheila Bair's book is How Not to Lose a Million Dollars: A Young Person's Guide to Avoiding the Tricks and Traps of Our Financial System Fact checking by Sierra Juarez. Your Next Listen — Why this former banking regulator is writing kids books Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    SK Hynix to the moon, Gen-Z to their rooms, and Connecticut tax reform looms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026 8:52


    It's Indicators of the Week (now on YouTube!). On today's episode: You could've septupled your money if you invested in this scalding-hot South Korean memory chip stock; nearly half of all adults under 30 are moving back in with the ‘rents; and a new democracy is born … in Connecticut.  Fact checking by Julia Ritchey and Corey Bridges. Your Next Listen — Why Americans don't want to move for jobs anymore (Encore)Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Why Google fell behind in the AI race

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2026 9:27


    When it comes to AI, Google's Gemini does not have the same household recognition that Claude and ChatGPT do. One big explanation: the innovator's dilemma. We explain how Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis is trying to fight a lumbering company's constraints to build AI superintelligence. Sebastian Mallaby's book is The Infinity Machine: Demis Hassabis, DeepMind, and the Quest for Superintelligence Fact checking by Sierra Juarez. Your Next Listen — The inventor's dilemma Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Cracking down on egg prices

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 9:53


    Too much news, there's just too much news. Today on the show, we tackle three big stories we're following: Venezuela's ever-increasing debt problem, the real story behind high egg prices, and how gaming companies are paying the pied piper. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez. Your Next Listen — What the cluck is happening with egg prices? Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    We're in a renter's market (believe it or not)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2026 9:29


    Depends on where you live, but renters have a lot of power right now in the United States. What's behind this trend and how might you be able to take advantage of the renters' market at your next lease renewal. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — Corporate landlords aren't the real villainConnect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Why the US is losing the drone war

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2026 9:00


    The US defense industry is struggling to keep up with the revolution in cheap drones vs. expensive reusable military equipment. Today on the show, we talk with Stacie Pettyjohn, the director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security on the three big reasons the U.S. is falling behind.Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — How Iran is wasting American resourcesConnect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Obama's new Presidential Center and his tricky relationship with the South Side

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2026 34:31


    How do residents of the South Side of Chicago feel about their new neighbor: the Obama Presidential Center? A mixture of pride and excitement, tempered with some concerns about what it could do to housing affordability. On today's show, we're bringing you an episode from our friends at Code Switch on the new center and its relationship to the historically Black neighborhoods around it. Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Does the new Fed chair care about jobs?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2026 8:50


    Last month, new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh presided over his first interest rate decision and press conference … but he didn't talk much about maximum employment. How much does Kevin Warsh care about the jobs side of the Fed's dual mandate?Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — Are we in a new era of permanently higher prices?Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Why Trump wants to rip up his own trade deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2026 9:30


    During President Donald Trump's first term, he touted the USMCA as the largest and most fair trade deal ever achieved. So why is he now talking about ‘terminating' it? Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — Are Trump's trade deals the real deal?Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    What Iran teaches us about why wars start

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2026 10:09


    If war is so costly, why do we keep fighting them? We dig into the wars in Iran, Ukraine and Gaza to understand the incentives that lead countries into violence. Today on the show, the five factors that lead to war. Chris Blattman's book is Why We Fight: The Roots of War and the Paths to Peace.Fact checking by Sierra Juarez. Your Next Listen — The new economic arms race Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    What you should know about your student loans

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2026 9:21


    For many of the 43 million Americans with federal student loans, July 1 is a day to mark on the calendar. Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act is introducing stricter borrowing caps and new repayment plans. Today on the show, we talk with NPR's Education Reporter Cory Turner about the impact.Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — Will new loan limits lower the cost of grad school?Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    GLP-1 and women, the AI office boom, and RTO: CEO ego?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 8:43


    It's Indicators of the Week (now on YouTube!).On today's episode: The effect of GLP-1s on women and the workplace; NYC's once flailing office space is BACK; your boss asking you to come back to the office miiiight be a narcissist. Fact checking by Emma Ferrara and Corey Bridges. Your Next Listen —Why GLP-1s aren't lowering employers' costsConnect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    AI is pumping out books. Are they any good?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 8:46


    Are all these AI books any good? And by good, we mean are people willing to buy them — not whether the prose is singing. We talk to two researchers who've got some answers and a travel guide expert on why AI can't replace first-hand experience. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez. Your Next Listen  — Human certification in the age of AI slopConnect with The Indicator— Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    How stock options made him an overnight millionaire

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 9:54


    In 2019, Juan Hernandez was laid off from SpaceX. Luckily, he still had the opportunity to buy $50K - $60K of the company's stock and, years later, it's safe to say the risk was worth it. Today on the show, how stock options built California as a tech hub. Fact-checking by Emma Ferrara. Your Next Listen — Do traders who make big bets make big money? Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Why the $250 bill would be good … For criminals!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 8:48


    A plan to create a new $250—with President Donald Trump's face on it—has created a lot of pushback. Who probably won't be pushing back, though? Criminals. On today's show, we explain why. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — Trump crypto, Trump ballroom and Trump dronesConnect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    An urban planner, infinite scroll, and … what is a public good?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 9:37


    It's time for The Indicator Quiz! We test you, dear listener, on your knowledge of topics that we've covered on The Indicator. For today's quiz show, we are putting an urban planner from Nevada to the test. Play along with us and see how you do!Are you interested in being a contestant on our next Indicator Quiz? Email us your name and phone number at indicator@npr.org and put "Indicator Quiz" in the subject line.Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — A trap-loving DJ takes on economics Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    How your phone keeps you scrolling ... even when you want to stop

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 9:08


    You pick up your phone to do one quick task, and suddenly 20 minutes have flown by without you even noticing. How do apps do that to you? Today on the show, we bring you an episode of Short Wave that explains how your phone is designed specifically to hold your attention.Fact checking by Tyler Jones.Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Are we in a new era of permanently higher prices?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 9:26


    Inflation is at a three-year high. That's a problem for the Fed. Yet, under the leadership of new chair Kevin Warsh, it opted yesterday not to hike interest rates. So today on the show, who are the winners and who are the losers amidst higher inflation? Mark Blyth's book, co-authored with Nicolò Fraccaroli is Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez. Your Next Listen — Why big banks aren't interested in your savings account Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Is gambling the reason we have pro sports?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 9:04


    To hear author David Bockino tell it, gambling has always been a key ingredient of pro sports in the U.S.—it's as American as apple pie. Bockino is the author of the new book Over/Under: An Unexpected History of Sports Betting. So what gave rise to this new wave of sports gambling? And what are we risking placing so many bets on games? Fact checking by Sierra Juarez. Your Next Listen — Prediction markets are threatening national security. Who's gonna fix it? Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Your American Dream is pending review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 7:51


    The Trump Administration recently announced changes to how would-be immigrants get green cards. And it's causing a lot of confusion, fear and even panic. Today on the show, we hear firsthand from people navigating green card uncertainty.  Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — If economists controlled the bordersConnect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Community colleges are kind of underrated

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 8:08


    Community college is an increasingly popular hack for those who want to change their career. Here's what you should know about this gateway to economic mobility.Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — Which jobs are future-proofed? Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Inflation is bad, work from home sad, FIFA World Cup tix NOT deal to be had

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 9:29


    It's Indicators of the Week (now on YouTube!). It's our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: Inflation is back, working from home is making us sad, and World Cup ticket sales are NOT hitting their goooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal!!Fact checking by Emma Ferrara and Cooper Katz McKim. Your Next Listen —Who is the World Cup for anymore?Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    The SpaceX IPO drama explained

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 8:56


    What the SpaceX IPO, the largest ever, reveals about big tech, the NASDAQ and more big IPOs to come. Sure it will make Elon Musk a trillionaire, but what does this mean for your retirement account? Fact checking by Emma Ferrara. Your Next Listen — What a second Trump term could mean for SpaceX Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Should we tax AI?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 9:10


    Should we tax AI? The AI race has made a lot of people richer … but most of those gains seem to have gone to the wealthy while everyday workers aren't seeing their incomes go up. We speak with Democratic congressional candidate, Alex Bores, who wants to tax AI. Also, we talk to a tax expert who has her reservations. Fact checking by Tyler Jones. Your Next Listen — It's come to this: Human certification in the age of AI slop Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    U OK, UK?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 9:26


    In the United Kingdom, young people are out of work, government borrowing costs are high, and the nation is burning through PM's like yesterday's leftovers. A lot of countries are feeling the economic strain of the Iran war. But is the UK the country we should be worrying about? Fact checking by Leyla Doss.Your Next Listen — What broke Britain's economy?Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    The fired labor economist who couldn't get unemployment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 8:45


    A top labor economist encounters the endlessly frustrating labyrinth of filing for unemployment after getting fired by President Trump. Why are unemployment benefits so hard to get, and can we do anything to fix the system? Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — What you need to know about the job report revisions  Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Who should new grads boo more? AI or remote work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 9:06


    Is AI really to blame for young people finding it hard to land first jobs? Is Black unemployment a leading indicator for the rest of the economy? Here's what the hosts of our Ambies award-winning business podcast think you should take away from the May jobs report.Fact checking by Sierra Juarez and Vito Emanuel. Your Next Listen — Which jobs are future-proofed? Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Equinomics, bag fees, and leftover campaign dollars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 8:37


    Our listeners have QUESTIONS about the economy. And we have answers. Today on the show, we look at why horse breeding might be slowing down, why airlines charge baggage fees, and where campaign cash actually goes. Fact checking by Sierra Juarez. Your Next Listen — Can the yield curve still predict recessions? Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Can the internet be reclaimed from Big Tech?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 9:09


    Why one former senior advisor of the FTC thinks a libertarian myth of the internet has given Big Tech too much power.Fact checking by Vito Emanuel.Your Next Listen — Why infinite scroll's inventor wants to kill his creationConnect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Why boardinghouses could make a comeback

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 9:23


    There is a burgeoning effort across the U.S. to revive boardinghouses, aka single room occupancy units or SROs, as a solution to the housing crisis. But what happened to them in the first place? We track the disappearance of the first rung of the housing ladder.Fact-checking by Vito Emanuel. Your Next Listen — How to build abundantly Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    How AI is clogging the courtroom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 9:23


    AI has made it infinitely easier for anyone who can't afford a lawyer, can't get one, or doesn't want one to file a lawsuit and pro se cases are skyrocketing. But the wins haven't followed and courts are starting to get overwhelmed with new AI filings. Today on the show, what happens when AI gets its day in court.Your Next Listen  — Most People Can't Afford Legal Help. 1 Reformer Wants To Change ThatConnect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Obsession, the most fun job in China, and a new green card policy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 9:10


    It's Indicators of the Week (now on YouTube!). It's our weekly look at some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode: China's baaaaad job market has led to an interest in becoming a shepherd, a young YouTuber strikes Hollywood gold, and the Trump administration's new green card policy is telling immigrants to 'go home.'Fact checking by Vito Emanuel. Your Next Listen — We're about to lose a lot of foreign STEM workersConnect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Saudi's LIV golf exit is just the start

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 9:25


    Is Saudi Arabia no longer a golf state? The Saudi sovereign wealth fund poured billions into culture and sports in the last decade, none more high profile than LIV Golf, a rival to the PGA. So why is it reversing course now?Fact checking by Vito Emanuel. Your Next Listen — Why Saudi Arabia is building a new city in the desert Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

    Claim The Indicator from Planet Money

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel