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

From NPR

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

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!

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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

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Anastasiia Yanishevska/Getty Images

What's in YOUR wallet?

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

Prepping for a rainy day and higher used car prices

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Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

It's hard out there for a Fed chair

President Trump has flirted with firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell since returning to office, but can he legally do that? Not without good cause. Today on the show, the danger of Trump's amped up attacks on Powell and the Fed's independence.

It's hard out there for a Fed chair

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Acy Cooper, a Louisiana shrimper, on his fishing boat "The Lacy Kay." Drew Hawkins/Gulf States Newsroom hide caption

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Drew Hawkins/Gulf States Newsroom

Why do shrimpers like tariffs?

Many businesses are scared of what President Trump's tariffs will mean for their industry. However, the shrimping industry is one that doesn't seem to be worried. In fact, shrimpers say they welcome them. On today's episode, why shrimpers are embracing the tariffs and whether economists agree that this tariff is good for Americans.

Why do shrimpers like tariffs?

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Scott Olson/Getty Images

What do farmers do in a trade war?

Two American farmers tell us how they're feeling about a trade war that targets the soybean industry's biggest customer: China.

What do farmers do in a trade war?

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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