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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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A trap-loving DJ takes on economics
Getty Images

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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How much is a weather forecast worth? (Update)

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Scott Olson/Getty Images

How much is a weather forecast worth? (Update)

The federal government has been tracking the weather for more than 150 years. But the rise of the Internet and big tech have made weather forecasting a more crowded space. Today on the show, the value of an accurate forecast and how the Trump administration's early moves are clouding the government's future forecasting. This piece originally aired in November 2024.

How much is a weather forecast worth? (Update)

Listen · 8:48
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IRS information sharing, bonds bust, and a chorebot future

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iLexx/Getty Images

IRS information sharing, bonds bust, and a chorebot future

Today on the show, we discuss why the IRS is sharing some taxpayer information, why bonds and stocks both fell, and how robots will replace you,or at least most of your chore wheel, in the near future.

IRS information sharing, bonds bust, and a chorebot future

Listen · 9:27
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What keeps a Fed president up at night

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James T. Madore/Getty Images

What keeps a Fed president up at night

"There's no bad weather, only bad clothing." That's the motto of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where Austan Goolsbee is president. As economic weather conditions stay unpredictable, Austan tells us how he's gearing up for tariffs, inflation, and more.

What keeps a Fed president up at night

Listen · 9:21
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What happens when an economist becomes prime minister?

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at a news conference about the US tariffs on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on April 3, 2025. DAVE CHAN/Getty Images hide caption

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DAVE CHAN/Getty Images

What happens when an economist becomes prime minister?

Today on the show, we meet Canada's new Prime Minister, economist Mark Carney.

What happens when an economist becomes prime minister?

Listen · 9:29
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