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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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One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away (EXTENDED VERSION)
Alim Yakubov/Getty Images Plus

One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away (EXTENDED VERSION)

This episode was first published as a bonus episode for our Planet Money+ listeners. Today, we're making it available for everyone!

One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away (EXTENDED VERSION)

Listen · 20:50
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How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforce
Getty Images

How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforce

The Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants might be the most profound change in the American labor market right now. Industries that rely on immigrant labor are especially vulnerable, as ICE continues to raid businesses believed to have unauthorized workers.

How ICE crackdowns are affecting the workforce

Listen · 9:27
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Tech layoffs, recession pop and more listener questions answered

Kesha is part of a crew of artists often identified within recession pop music, given their popularity back in 2009 when the economy was crumbling Lisa Lake/Getty Images hide caption

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Lisa Lake/Getty Images

Tech layoffs, recession pop and more listener questions answered

We are back with another edition of listener questions! In this round, we tackle recession pop, why the job market feels so crummy for IT grads, and whether President Trump saying that Walmart "eat the tariffs" is a form of price control.

Tech layoffs, recession pop and more listener questions answered

Listen · 8:54
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We're nearing 'peak population.' These economists are worried
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We're nearing 'peak population.' These economists are worried

Over the past century, the world's human population has exploded from around 2 billion to 8 billion. Meanwhile, the average fertility rate has gradually declined. And if that trend continues as it has, we may soon see a crash in the population rate, which some argue could have disastrous effects.

We're nearing 'peak population.' These economists are worried.

Listen · 9:06
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Can Starlink stay ahead in satellite internet?
YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images

Can Starlink stay ahead in satellite internet?

Whether you're watching Love Island in an RV or streaming a playlist in a remote California campground, if you're using satellite internet, odds are you're using Elon Musk's Starlink.

Can Starlink stay ahead in satellite internet?

Listen · 9:33
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Babies v climate change; AI v IP; bonds v world
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Babies v climate change; AI v IP; bonds v world

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

Babies v climate change; AI v IP; bonds v world

Listen · 9:11
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We're gonna need a bigger boat-building industry
Getty Images

We're gonna need a bigger boat-building industry

During World War II, the U.S. shipbuilding industry flourished. Now, it's nearly non-existent. China is the dominant shipbuilder in the world economy. On today's show, we look at what happened to American shipbuilding and the protectionist impulses that could stifle a revival.

We're gonna need a bigger boat-building industry

Listen · 8:47
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One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away

What's the price to save a human life? We examine the monumental legacy of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) with journalist Jon Cohen, who traveled to Eswatini and Lesotho to learn how cuts under the Trump Administration are hitting people at the clinic door.

One of the cheapest ways to save a life is going away

Listen · 9:30
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