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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

Bonus episode: The Indicator plays... movie business trivia!
Al Seib/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images

Bonus episode: The Indicator plays... movie business trivia!

To cap off our weeklong series on all things Hollywood, we're going to have a little fun! Tune in to hear Adrian, Darian and Wailin battle it out as they try to name movies based on cryptic descriptions of the businesses featured in them. You can play along!

Bonus episode: The Indicator plays... movie business trivia!

Listen · 14:43
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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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The legal case for — and against — Trump's tariffs

President Donald Trump's latest round of tariffs took effect today. But are they legal? Andrew Harnik/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The legal case for — and against — Trump's tariffs

President Trump's new round of tariffs took effect today. It will bring in billions of dollars to the government, in part paid for by U.S. importers who can decide whether to pass that cost onto American families. But are these tariffs legal?

The legal case for — and against — Trump's tariffs

Listen · 9:26
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What you need to know about the jobs report revisions
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What you need to know about the jobs report revisions

Why do revisions to the jobs report happen? Today on the show, we speak with a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics about why revisions occur and how we should interpret the monthly report's actual message.

What you need to know about the jobs report revisions

Listen · 9:11
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Can we still trust the monthly jobs report? (Update)
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Can we still trust the monthly jobs report? (Update)

Since his return to office, President Trump has waged something of a pressure campaign on economic data and the people in charge of delivering it. His firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner following a weak jobs report now has some wondering: can we still trust the official numbers? Today on the show, we're resharing our conversation with former BLS commissioner, Erica Groshen on her current fears for the integrity of government data. The original version of this story aired March 7, 2025.

Can we still trust the monthly jobs report? (Update)

Listen · 7:56
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What really goes on at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Update)

Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images hide caption

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Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

What really goes on at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Update)

On Friday, we reported on the latest jobs numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which showed weaker than expected growth. On Friday afternoon, President Trump fired the person in charge of those numbers.

What really goes on at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Update)

Listen · 9:29
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How you're using AI at work
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How you're using AI at work

AI is a hot topic for both employers and employees in the workforce. That's why we wanted to hear from our listeners about how they are using AI at work. Today on the show, we explore the good, the bad and the ugly of AI in the workplace.

How you're using AI at work

Listen · 9:29
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Why the Fed could lose $1.5 trillion
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Why the Fed could lose $1.5 trillion

The Fed is on the hook for an estimated one-and-a-half trillion dollars. Despite the recent headlines, that's not because of building renovations. It's a much larger cost blowout caused by big actions taken during the pandemic to help the economy: quantitative easing.

Why the Fed could lose $1.5 trillion

Listen · 9:27
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The risk of private equity in your 401(k)

401(k)s have typically only invested in highly regulated publicly traded securities. What happens when private equity is thrown in the mix? Dan Grossi/AP Newsroom hide caption

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Dan Grossi/AP Newsroom

The risk of private equity in your 401(k)

Private equity is a risky business. There are high-highs and low-lows. A retirement plan, on the other hand, is meant to be a reliable beast. But President Trump believes your 401(k) can handle it! On today's show, the president's expected executive order could help offer some legal cover for fund managers who include private equity in your retirement portfolio. What are the risks and benefits?

The risk of private equity in your 401(k)

Listen · 9:29
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