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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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Trump's cuts come for food banks
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Trump's cuts come for food banks

The Beigie Awards are back to recognize the regional Federal Reserve Bank with the best Beige Book entry. On today's episode, we shine a spotlight on a Midwest food bank.

Trump's cuts come for food banks

Listen · 9:06
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American science brain drain
Scott Olson/Getty Images

American science brain drain

President Trump's federal cuts and scrutiny of academic institutions are forcing some U.S. scientists to head for the border. On today's show, an entomologist keeping America's farms safe from pests reconsiders America. And a CEO of a Canadian hospital explains how they are benefiting from the exodus.

American science brain drain

Listen · 9:31
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How much international students matter to the economy

Many international students reconsider higher ed in the United States. NYU hosts the most. Seth Wenig/AP hide caption

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Seth Wenig/AP

How much international students matter to the economy

Many international students are rethinking their education in the United States as the federal government revokes visas, often over minor infractions. A shift away could carry a heavy economic toll, as international students contributed $44 billion to the U.S. economy last school year. So what happens when a generation of bright-eyed scholars decide to forgo school in the U.S. and take their dollars elsewhere?

How much international students matter to the economy

Listen · 9:29
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How stable is Stablecoin?

Stablecoins are becoming increasingly popular including Circle and Tether Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images hide caption

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Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

How stable is Stablecoin?

Stablecoins are the latest digital asset to grab headlines. Congress is considering legislation around the cryptocurrency, and a Trump family-affiliated company is preparing to launch its own Stablecoin. But does this digital currency live up to its own name?

How stable is Stablecoin?

Listen · 9:28
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Is the US pushing countries towards China?
Jeffrey Coolidge/Getty Images

Is the US pushing countries towards China?

As the U.S. goes head-to-head with the rest of the world on tariffs, those countries are trying to figure out their best diplomatic strategy. One dilemma countries have is how close they get with another global superpower: China. On today's show, we hear from Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb about how the country is balancing trade relations with both countries.

Is the US pushing countries towards China?

Listen · 8:53
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When do boycotts work?

Traffic at Target has been down for 11 consecutive weeks. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

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ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

When do boycotts work?

For weeks, Target has been the subject of a boycott after its decision to pull back on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. And early data shows it's taken a toll on the company. But in other instances, boycotts haven't made much of a splash. Today on the show, when does a boycott actually make a difference?

When do boycotts work?

Listen · 9:14
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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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