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. Sign up for our newsletter . Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org. You’ll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes for Planet Money and sponsor-free listening for The Indicator.
This episode explores the question of whether President Trump's social media posts regarding a potential tariff pause constituted insider trading. Against the backdrop of April's stock market volatility triggered by Trump's initial tariff announcement, followed by a subsequent 90-day pause, the discussion centers on th...
This episode explores the Trump administration's controversial stance on the value-added tax (VAT), a consumption tax used in most countries but not the US. Against the backdrop of President Trump's declaration of a national emergency due to trade practices, the discussion centers on the administration's unusual class...
This episode explores the tensions between the public and private sectors in the US weather forecasting industry, particularly focusing on the impact of the Trump administration's cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Against the backdrop of severe weather events causing significant damage...
This episode explores several key economic indicators from the week, featuring a discussion among three hosts. Against the backdrop of a new agreement requiring the IRS to share some taxpayer information with DHS, the hosts discuss the $59.4 billion in taxes paid by immigrants without legal status in 2022 and the subs...
This episode explores the potential economic storm clouds on the horizon, particularly concerning the impact of tariffs and the possibility of stagflation. Against the backdrop of escalating trade wars and unpredictable global stock markets, Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, discusses ...
This episode explores the unusual transition of Mark Carney, a former governor of two G7 central banks (Bank of Canada and Bank of England), into the role of Canada's Prime Minister. Against the backdrop of strained US-Canada relations and economic tensions stemming from tariffs, Carney's experience as a central banke...
This episode explores the complexities of the U.S. trade deficit, challenging the notion that it is inherently negative. Against the backdrop of President Trump's tariff policies, the hosts delve into the nuances of trade deficits, using the analogy of a consumer's relationship with their grocery store to illustrate t...
This episode explores the impact of recent, significantly increased tariffs on American businesses. Against the backdrop of the tariff announcement, the podcast interviews several business owners to gauge their reactions and strategies. For instance, Kimberly Vaccarella, CEO of Bog Bag, describes her distress at the u...
This episode explores the March jobs report and its implications for the American economy, against the backdrop of the Trump administration's new tariffs. The report showed 228,000 jobs added, exceeding predictions, but this positive number is nuanced by downward revisions to previous months' data and the potential im...
This episode explores the resurgence of vinyl records and the dominance of GZ Media, a Czech Republic-based company, in the vinyl manufacturing industry. Against the backdrop of a vinyl shortage a few years ago, the podcast details how GZ Media, initially a state-owned enterprise producing safe pop music for the Easter...
This episode explores the economic impact of data center construction in Meridian, Mississippi, focusing on the disparity between massive investments and limited job creation. Against the backdrop of a $10 billion private investment—tied for the largest in Mississippi history—the discussion reveals that data centers, ...
This episode explores the controversial judicial reform in Mexico, examining its potential impact on the country's economic stability and its relationship with the U.S. Against the backdrop of Mexico's recent economic growth and its status as the U.S.'s top trading partner, concerns are rising about the consequences of...
This episode explores three prevalent pet peeves in modern advertising. The discussion begins with the increasingly ubiquitous "Your Cool Friend" brand persona, exemplified by J.Crew's overly familiar marketing email. Brand strategist Joe Burns argues that this initially innovative approach has become generic, losing...
This episode explores several key economic indicators, examining a significant drop in IRS tax revenue, the record-high price of copper, and the surprising resurgence of Napster. Against the backdrop of a $500 billion decrease in expected tax revenue, the discussion highlights the impact of IRS budget cuts and reduced...
This episode explores the surprisingly lucrative process of car donations to non-profit organizations, specifically focusing on public radio stations. The narrative follows the journey of a donated Ford Explorer, from its initial donation by a listener to its eventual resale at a used car dealership. Against this bac...
This episode explores Europe's increasing efforts toward military independence from the US, driven by a perceived weakening of the US commitment to NATO and a desire for greater self-reliance in defense. Against the backdrop of leaked texts revealing US officials' disdain for European defense spending, the episode hig...
This episode explores the current state of the US economy through a unique lens, combining macroeconomic data with anecdotal evidence gathered from interviews and listener submissions across the country. Against the backdrop of uncertainty even within the Federal Reserve, the podcast investigates how everyday Americans...
This NPR Indicator podcast episode explores the link between workplace specialization and burnout. The interview with psychologist Shige Oishi argues that while specialization boosts short-term productivity (as Adam Smith noted), it can diminish job satisfaction and "psychological richness" in the long run, potentiall...
This Planet Money Indicator segment discusses three economic indicators: Germany's approval of massive new defense spending (requiring a constitutional change), a slowdown in US corporate mergers and acquisitions due to trade war uncertainty, and a surge in gold prices driven by investor fear and uncertainty in global ...
This NPR Indicator podcast episode analyzes President Trump's executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile. The discussion explores the order's origins, questioning its purpose and potential risks, including the difficulty of selling large cryptocurrency holdings and potential c...
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