The Indicator from Planet Money

Mar 17 2020 56.5k

A little show about big ideas. From the people who make Planet Money, The Indicator helps you make sense of what's happening today. It's a quick hit of insight into work, business, the economy, and everything else. Listen weekday afternoons.

RSS feed Share


Subscribe on Podcast Addict


The Beigies: Traffic Jam At The Ports
Jan 15 2021 9 mins  
The economy might be down, but Americans are buying a lot of stuff right now. Today on the show, we break it down and pick our favorite economic story from the Beige Book.
Making Sense Of Pandemic Stats
Jan 14 2021 9 mins  
Statistics and the information we get from them have a massive influence on our worldviews and the decisions we make, but how can we ensure we're interpreting them properly? Today, we find out.
Companies Get Political
Jan 13 2021 9 mins  
Politics used to be off limits for most American companies — at least publicly. Most would usually take a neutral position when a big political story hit the news. But that has changed.
The SPAC Is Back!
Jan 12 2021 9 mins  
Last year, more than half the firms that went public were special purpose acquisition companies, also known as SPACs. We explain what that means and how it impacts the world of finance.
Entrepreneurship On The Rise
Jan 11 2021 9 mins  
The coronavirus has been responsible for massive business closures...but at the same time, Americans are starting businesses at the fastest rate in more than a decade.
Jobs Friday: Reversal In The Recovery
Jan 08 2021 8 mins  
For the first time since April, the American economy lost jobs. Today, we break down the December jobs report and the slowing economic recovery.
How Political Instability Affects The Economy
Jan 07 2021 8 mins  
We're only seven days into the new year and we're off to a bumpy start. But as chaos rages through the capitol, the stock market and other signs of economic growth continue.
Fear And Loaning
Jan 06 2021 9 mins  
There's a fear radiating out from the commercial real estate market — a fear that some economists say could become a drag on any economic recovery. In fact, there's evidence it already has.
New Year, New Indicators
Jan 05 2021 9 mins  
2020 was a tough year for the economy. How different will 2021 be? Today on the show, we take a look at three of our favorite indicators for the new year.
The Economy In 2030
Jan 05 2021 8 mins  
What will the global economy look like in a decade? Mauro Guillen joins the show to talk about 2030, his new book where he analyzes the economic trends of the future.
How To Use Globalization To Fight Disease
Dec 31 2020 8 mins  
Globalization and urbanization historically have made the global economy more productive and efficient — and also more vulnerable to pandemics. But now they can be forces for good in the fight against pandemics.
Why The Housing Market Is Booming In A Bad Economy
Dec 30 2020 8 mins  
The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it a massive economic downturn. Another thing it's brought: A booming housing market. We explain why. | Support The Indicator here.
Why We Weren't Prepared For A Pandemic
Dec 29 2020 9 mins  
We've had plenty of warnings over the years that we weren't ready for a pandemic. Today on the show: the psychology and economics of why.
The Strategic Value Of Rare Earths
Dec 28 2020 9 mins  
Rare earths are essential to a wide variety of strategically important components, but the vast majority of rare earths are produced by mines in China. That's something that the U.S. is working to correct.
Healthcare: The Pandemic's Financial Fallout
Dec 24 2020 9 mins  
The coronavirus has strained healthcare systems — and not just in their ability to deal with surges. We talk to one hospital administrator about the financial strain of COVID-19. | Donate to your member station here.
Coming Back From Covid
Dec 23 2020 9 mins  
Chris Montana is a Minneapolis distillery owner whose business was destroyed in rioting early this year. Since then, he's committed himself to supporting local businesses and raised more than $770,000. | Support The Indicator here.
The State Of The Arts
Dec 22 2020 9 mins  
Morgan Gould is a playwright who talked with us in April about the cancellation of her play. She describes what life has been like for people who work in the arts during the pandemic. | Support The Indicator here.
The View From Beijing
Dec 21 2020 9 mins  
China effectively stopped the spread of the virus early in the global pandemic. Life there has subsequently been quite different this year. | Support public radio here.
The Road To Bankruptcy
Dec 18 2020 9 mins  
When the pandemic hit, the government pumped large amounts of money into the economy. The support kept many families afloat, but for many small businesses, it wasn't enough. | Donate to your NPR member station here.
The Underground Market For Vaccines
Dec 17 2020 9 mins  
We venture into the dark web and take a look at the world of black market vaccine sales. | Support The Indicator here.
Overrated/Underrated After The Great Stagnation
Dec 16 2020 9 mins  
There's no denying that 2020 has been a rough year, but economist Tyler Cowen brings the show a source of hope: the possible return of productivity growth. And he plays overrated/underrated! | Support public radio here.
Who Gets A Vaccine? A Conversation With Alvin Roth
Dec 15 2020 9 mins  
Right now, demand for a coronavirus vaccine far outweighs supply. Leaders are trying to figure out who should get the vaccine first. Dr. Alvin Roth, a Nobel Prize winning economist who specializes in game theory, has some ideas. | Support The Indicator here.
Pandemic Adaptation: Bookstore Edition
Dec 15 2020 9 mins  
Early in the pandemic, things looked bleak for Source Booksellers, a bookstore in Detroit. But they survived. The secret? Adaptation and loyal customers. | Support public radio here.
Our Friends Give Us Hope
Dec 11 2020 8 mins  
Some friends of The Indicator join the show and share some economic indicators that give them hope for the future. | Donate to your NPR member station here.
The Long, Slow Recovery
Dec 10 2020 9 mins  
Team Indicator follows up with ice cream shop owner Molly Moon to look at the road to recovery for small businesses. | Show your love for The Indicator here.
Shipping Delays: Why Your Packages Are Taking Forever
Dec 09 2020 9 mins  
As the holiday season approaches, people are beginning to notice an online shopping trend: shipping delays. Today, we explain why packages are taking longer to ship than usual this year. | Donate to your member station here.
The Strangest Indicator Of 2020
Dec 08 2020 9 mins  
Average real disposable income this year is on pace to rise at the fastest rate in more than 35 years. How could that be? We break down the strangest economic indicator of 2020. | Support public radio here.
The Marriage Business
Dec 07 2020 9 mins  
Like all industries that revolve around large gatherings, weddings have been hit hard...but some wedding planners have found a way to adapt. Hint: It involves eloping. | Support The Indicator here.
Jobs Friday: The Four Labor Markets
Dec 04 2020 9 mins  
For the final jobs report of the year, we break down how different sectors of the economy have handled the pandemic. | Support your NPR member station here.
The Beigies: Some Economic Bright Spots
Dec 03 2020 9 mins  
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book focuses on stories from the economy. The latest edition shows some hopeful points of light in an otherwise gloomy economic landscape. | Support The Indicator here.
The Economics of America's Nurse Shortage
Dec 02 2020 9 mins  
Early in the pandemic, there were national shortages of protective equipment and hospital supplies. Now, there's a shortage of nurses.
What Biden Could Do On Immigration
Dec 01 2020 9 mins  
As President-elect Biden prepares to take office, there's a lot of speculation about how his administration might change the federal approach to immigration.
Electric Car Chargers: When Supply Drives Demand
Nov 30 2020 9 mins  
People are hesitant to buy electric cars because fast chargers still aren't widely available. The irony? Most people charge at home, not with fast chargers. NPR's Camila Domonoske explains.
What's The Story? Narratives And The Economy
Nov 27 2020 9 mins  
The great toilet paper shortage of 2020 wasn't caused by the virus or by a disruption to manufacturing. It was caused by a story: one that we told ourselves. On the Indicator: how stories can affect the economy.
Thanksgiving Dinner Is The Cheapest In 35 Years
Nov 25 2020 9 mins  
Each year, the American Farm Bureau estimates the cost of Thanksgiving dinner. The main finding this year? Thanksgiving dinner is the cheapest it's been since the survey started 35 years ago.
Should I Travel For Thanksgiving This Year?
Nov 24 2020 9 mins  
The CDC recommends we all stay home for Thanksgiving to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. But tens of millions of Americans are expected to travel anyway. If you're one of them, here's how you can think about the risk you're taking.
Opening A Hotel During A Pandemic
Nov 23 2020 9 mins  
The U.S. is down around 3.5 million hospitality jobs since the pandemic took hold. But in spite of setbacks, hotels continue to open.
A Face-Punching Legal Battle
Nov 20 2020 9 mins  
Over the past few decades, the UFC has become the biggest name in mixed martial arts. But a lawsuit argues it has held down fighter wages by restricting competition.
Make Trade Stale Again
Nov 19 2020 9 mins  
President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration will have massive implications for trade policy. Soumaya Keynes explains how Biden's approach to trade might differ from Trump's.
Winter Is Coming For The Restaurant Industry
Nov 18 2020 9 mins  
Idaho is the leading nation in restaurant revenue growth. But that doesn't mean its restaurants are having an easy time. There are mask mandates and robust restrictions on gathering in many cities in the state, and with winter coming, restaurateurs are working hard to innovate, compensate and stay in business.
Evaluating The Washington Consensus
Nov 17 2020 9 mins  
In 1985, then Treasury Secretary James Baker gave a speech in South Korea laying out a series of economic proposals that would transform economics around the world.
How Investment Advisors Invest Their Money
Nov 17 2020 9 mins  
Financial advisors counsel people on what stocks and bonds and other investments to buy, and how to balance portfolios. But where do they put their own money?
Turkey Business
Nov 13 2020 9 mins  
COVID-19-related travel and get-together restrictions are impacting small businesses across the U.S. this holiday season. The Indicator talks to a turkey farmer about how the pandemic has affected business this year.
Ant's IPO Woes
Nov 12 2020 9 mins  
Ant Group is a fintech firm that was set to launch with the world's largest ever IPO. But just before its shares started trading, Chinese regulators pulled the plug. NPR's Emily Feng explains why.
The Lessons Of Pets.com
Nov 11 2020 9 mins  
The tech bubble of the 90s was a time when companies with weak business models and flashy advertising secured massive investments. This is the story of perhaps the most infamous case study: Pets.com.
The Case Of The Soaring Car Prices
Nov 10 2020 9 mins  
Since April, the price of used cars has surged. Some cars have even gained in value, which is highly unusual for an asset that usually depreciates. Turns out the usual suspects are behind this mystery: supply and demand.
The Other Climate Crisis
Nov 09 2020 10 mins  
In the 1980s, a massive hole was discovered in the ozone layer. Since then, economic incentives, innovation, and a historic United Nations conference in Montreal set it on a path to close completely.
Jobs Friday: Not Bad, Not Not Bad
Nov 07 2020 9 mins  
The US economy added more than 600,000 jobs in October. Team Indicator assembles the Jobs Friday Ninja squad to get their take.
When Life Gives You Lemons...Start The Mafia?
Nov 05 2020 8 mins  
The essential ingredient in the birth of the mafia as we know it wasn't the threats or the murders or the other stuff that's great for Hollywood. It was...lemons.
What Elvis Can Teach Us About Vaccine Marketing
Nov 04 2020 9 mins  
Development of a coronavirus continues apace. But as many as two-thirds of Americans say they likely won't take it. Which means a successful vaccine will need an effective marketing campaign.
How Biden And Trump Plan To Reshore Jobs
Nov 03 2020 9 mins  
Author and economics commentator Matt Klein joins the show to discuss the ways each presidential candidate plans to bring manufacturing jobs to the United States.
Probability, Gambling, And Death
Nov 02 2020 9 mins  
The concept of probability may feel intuitive today, but for much of human history, that wasn't the case. Jacob Goldstein tells the origin story of probability.
What Is Trumponomics?
Oct 30 2020 9 mins  
Danielle Kurtzleben from NPR's Washington Desk breaks down Donald Trump's economic policies and plans for a second term.
What Is Bidenomics?
Oct 29 2020 9 mins  
Danielle Kurtzleben from NPR's Washington Desk breaks down Joe Biden's economic policies.
The 99% Invisible City With Roman Mars
Oct 28 2020 9 mins  
Podcast host and co-author of The 99% Invisible City Roman Mars joins the show to talk about his new book, the ways people shape their cities, and how to combine beauty & function in design.
Questions From Kids
Oct 27 2020 9 mins  
Stacey and Cardiff answer questions from kids...also, a few animal facts.
A New DAWN On Broadway
Oct 26 2020 9 mins  
As arts workers continue to struggle, they're trying their hand at something new. Not a new performance or show, but a piece of legislation which would keep their industry alive through the pandemic.
The Great Remittance Mystery
Oct 23 2020 9 mins  
In 2019, migrants sent a record $500 billion back to their countries of origin. Then COVID hit, and the World Bank predicted a 20 percent drop in that flow of cash. But now the data is in, and it turns out remittances have held steady.
The Case Against Google
Oct 22 2020 9 mins  
A few days ago, The Department of Justice filed a massive antitrust lawsuit against Google. The case focuses on the company's dominance in search, but what about the rest of Google's empire?
Hope Vs. Despair
Oct 21 2020 9 mins  
Should we feel hope or despair about the future of the American economy? Cardiff and Stacey debate.
Why Women Are Leaving The Workforce
Oct 20 2020 9 mins  
Of the 1.1 million people who left the job market in September, over 860,000 were women. Today we look at why women are dropping out of the workforce and what it will mean for the economy.
Economic Consequences Of The Census
Oct 19 2020 9 mins  
The coronavirus pandemic, distrust of the government, and a surprising political battle have the 2020 Census count.
The Lehman Trilogy
Oct 16 2020 9 mins  
Just before Broadway shut down, team Indicator saw The Lehman Trilogy, about the origin of Lehman Brothers. We talk with playwright Ben Power about the firm, the family and the consolation of history.
Inequities Of The Pandemic
Oct 15 2020 7 mins  
The coronavirus has devastated the U.S. economy, but it hasn't affected everyone equally. Today on the show, four ways the pandemic has deepened inequality.
Daymond John Plays Overrated Or Underrated
Oct 14 2020 9 mins  
Daymond John and what he thinks is overrated and what's underrated
How Vikings Launched Globalization 1.0
Oct 13 2020 9 mins  
How the Vikings trading with a North American Indigenous group shortly after the year 1000 connected global trading networks and kicked off the first version of globalization.
An Economist Walks Into A Bar
Oct 13 2020 9 mins  
There's a long history of bars playing a vital role in innovation and economic growth. What happens when they all close down?
WFH From Barbados
Oct 09 2020 9 mins  
The Barbados economy depends on tourism, so travel restrictions have been devastating. But the island nation has come up with an innovative stopgap: A visa that lets visitors work remotely from Barbados for a year.
Where's Everyone Moving To?
Oct 08 2020 9 mins  
Remember all the predictions about the pandemic pushing people to quit big, expensive cities? Six months in, the data is providing some clues about which cities Americans are leaving, and where they're moving to. An update on the "urban exodus."
The Great Fridge Freeze-Out
Oct 07 2020 9 mins  
For months now, there's been a shortage of refrigerators and freezers across the U.S. Shoppers can't find appliances to buy and stores can't find enough appliances to sell. Alina Selyukh joins The Indicator to explain why.
The Semiconductor Standoff
Oct 06 2020 9 mins  
As the trade war continues, China hasn't purchased nearly as many exports from the United States as it previously agreed to. There was one bright spot though: semiconductors — but that may soon change.
Commercial Real Estate's Great Reckoning
Oct 05 2020 9 mins  
The coronavirus has caused a massive downturn in commercial real estate. As the pandemic continues and companies back out of leases, the future of commercial real estate is brought into question.
Jobs Friday: The Worker Shortage Mystery
Oct 02 2020 9 mins  
The U.S. is experiencing the worst unemployment crisis since the Great Depression. Meanwhile, some employers claim that they can't find the workers they need. What's going on?
The Economic Legacy Of Shinzo Abe
Oct 01 2020 9 mins  
Shinzo Abe served as Japan's Prime Minister for nearly eight years before suddenly announcing his retirement in August. Today on the show, the lessons of Abenomics for the US and other countries.
Big Donors & Pay-To-Play Politics
Sep 30 2020 9 mins  
The Center for Public Integrity joins The Indicator with an excerpt from The Heist, a new podcast exploring money and politics in the Trump Administration.
The Indicator World Tour
Sep 29 2020 9 mins  
The Indicator brings listeners economic indicators from the other six continents.
Behind The Art Of The Deal
Sep 28 2020 9 mins  
Stacey talks to Tony Schwartz, co-author of Trump: The Art Of The Deal, about the book and the recent New York Times report exploring President Trump's tax records.
Some Listener Questions!
Sep 25 2020 9 mins  
Cardiff and Stacey answer some listener questions about the rebounding demand for gas, the rise of contactless payments, and how wages have changed for low-income workers over the past few years.
RIP Business Suit?
Sep 24 2020 9 mins  
For 400 years, the business suit has been a staple in men's fashion...then the pandemic struck. Today on the show, the end of the business suit?
The Invention Of Paper Money
Sep 23 2020 9 mins  
Paper currency has become standard around the world, but that wasn't always the case. Planet Money host Jacob Goldstein tells the story of how paper money came to be — and why it temporarily went away.
A Few Freaky Facts
Sep 22 2020 9 mins  
Stacey and Cardiff discuss some of the non-obvious ways the coronavirus pandemic — and the policy response to it — has reshaped the U.S. economy.
Jamaican Monetary Policy: Behind The Music
Sep 21 2020 9 mins  
Jamaica's Central Bank has a unique way of explaining its policies: Reggae music videos. The Indicator talks with the Central Bank about why they've taken this unique approach.
Downturn Start-Ups: A Conversation With Guy Raz
Sep 18 2020 9 mins  
Since the pandemic started, nearly 100,000 businesses have closed permanently. Opening a business now might seem crazy. But downturn start-ups have some advantages.
DIY Firefighting
Sep 17 2020 8 mins  
Emergency services are spread so thin in the West that some property owners are taking a D-I-Y approach to firefighting.
How Immigration Is Changing The U.S. Economy
Sep 16 2020 9 mins  
Nearly 17 percent of the U.S. labor force is made up of immigrants. That's up from 12.4 percent in 2000, and 6.7 percent in 1980. What that means for the economy.
A Smarter Approach To Lockdowns
Sep 15 2020 9 mins  
The coronavirus has put millions of people out of work. Greg Ip talks about his recent article in the Wall Street Journal and argues that lockdowns are "an overly blunt and economically costly tool."
The Birth Of The Greenback
Sep 14 2020 9 mins  
In the mid-1800s, the US had 8,370 kinds of money. How that happened, and what it meant for the US economy.
The Science of Hoops
Sep 11 2020 9 mins  
The three-point shot has revolutionized basketball, but its unintended consequences could mean trouble for the sport's future.
Making The Most Of Scarce Space
Sep 10 2020 9 mins  
Lockdowns, working from home, and remote learning have all made personal domestic space more scarce. Emily Anthes has some solutions.
Parenting In The Time of Corona
Sep 09 2020 9 mins  
COVID, lockdowns and working from home made life complicated for parents. Trying to educate kids from home has made things even tougher, so tough many women are dropping out of the workforce.
The Great Lego Scam
Sep 08 2020 7 mins  
Counterfeit Lego kits, made illegally in China, are giving collectors a headache.
More Job Growth, But Slower
Sep 04 2020 9 mins  
The August unemployment numbers were better than expected. But doesn't mean the labor market is the picture of health.
Overrated Or Underrated: The Nobel Edition
Sep 03 2020 9 mins  
Nobel economics prize winners Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee on whether foreign aid, french bread and dating an economist are overrated or underrated.
Opening Schools: Mission Impossible
Sep 02 2020 8 mins  
The question of whether to reopen schools or educate children at home is medically sensitive, logistically complicated and politically fraught. How one superintendent is handling it.
Your Brain On Retail Trading
Sep 02 2020 9 mins  
Stock-picking retail traders have been jumping into the market this year. They may not understand the risks.
The Inclusion Payoff
Aug 31 2020 9 mins  
Women and non-white men are gaining ground when it comes to science and engineering degrees, but not when it comes to patents.
An Ode To Taxes
Aug 28 2020 9 mins  
Taxes get a bad reputation, but they were central to the formation of representative government and even the written word.
What A Piece Of Work Is The Post Office
Aug 27 2020 9 mins  
The rather Shakespearean situation of the U.S. Postal Service
5 (More) Ways Life Has Changed
Aug 26 2020 9 mins  
From smoking more cigarettes to stocking up on meatless meats, the pandemic has changed consumer behavior in some unexpected ways.
A Conversation With Janet Yellen
Aug 25 2020 9 mins  
Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen talks about her New York Times op-ed with Jared Bernstein, proposing a two-punch solution for boosting the economy.
Egg Prices: States Cry Foul
Aug 24 2020 9 mins  
The price of eggs skyrocketed at the start of the pandemic. That has some people crying foul ... and filing suit.
Why Do Diamonds Cost More Than Water?
Aug 21 2020 9 mins  
The Diamond-Water Paradox: If we need water to survive and we don't need diamonds, why are diamonds expensive and water cheap?
The Looming Eviction Crisis
Aug 20 2020 9 mins  
Millions of renters in the US are facing the prospect of eviction from their homes.
Becky, We Hardly Knew Ye
Aug 19 2020 9 mins  
We bought a junk bond back in December. Then COVID-19 sent the economy into a tailspin, and the company that issued the junk bond declared bankruptcy. But that wasn't the end of the story.
Making the Middle Class Great Again
Aug 18 2020 9 mins  
The argument that the key factor that boosted the middle class post WW2 — and could help the middle class again — is access.
Science, Economics And Vaccines
Aug 17 2020 9 mins  
Everyone wants to develop a coronavirus vaccine. But vaccine development usually takes years. The White House is betting money can speed things up.
The Economics of Gods and Mortals
Aug 14 2020 9 mins  
The first milestone in the history of economics was an 8th century B.C. poem — a lecture by an ancient Greek poet to his deadbeat brother.
When $600 Goes Away
Aug 13 2020 9 mins  
Millions of jobless Americans are desperate to know whether their unemployment benefits will be extended, and by how much. But Congress just went on vacation.
An Immigration Backfire?
Aug 12 2020 8 mins  
Limiting high-skilled immigration to the U.S. may not save jobs for Americans; it might even cost jobs.
Coronavirus Comes To Venezuela
Aug 11 2020 9 mins  
Venezuela's economy was already struggling, for a variety of reasons. The coronavirus pandemic couldn't have struck at a worse time. Now the country's economy is on life support.
Roller Coaster Economy (Scream Inside Only)
Aug 10 2020 9 mins  
As Democrats, Republicans and the President fight about how much support to give laid-off workers during the pandemic, we take the temperature of this up-and-down economy.
Jobs, Labor And The 1936 GM Strike
Aug 07 2020 8 mins  
The brutal unemployment situation in the US today is making a lot of people think again about labor unions. Which had their first major victory after a 1936 strike.
One Drug, Two Prices
Aug 06 2020 9 mins  
Faced with the prospect of paying for an expensive drug to treat his daughter, this dad found a nearly identical product for thousands of dollars less. But the insurance company wouldn't let him.
Why Your Internet Sucks
Aug 05 2020 9 mins  
We answer two questions today: Why is American internet so bad? And why was the unemployment benefit extension set at $600?
An Artful Pivot
Aug 04 2020 9 mins  
How a theater company in Philadelphia is reacting to the existential threat posed by the coronavirus.
Protest And A Black-Owned Business
Aug 03 2020 9 mins  
The Black Lives Matter demonstrations brought people together to protest injustice. But alongside the protests came riots, at a great cost to some Black-owned businesses.
Sharing The Vaccine
Jul 31 2020 9 mins  
The biggest, wealthiest nations in the world are in a race to produce a coronavirus vaccine. It's obviously in a country's interest to win that race and protect its citizens. It's also in its interest to share.
GDP -32.9%???!!!
Jul 30 2020 8 mins  
This quarter's Gross Domestic Product numbers could be the worst on record. But what do they mean, exactly?
The Coronavirus Housing Boom
Jul 29 2020 9 mins  
Most of the U.S. economy is in crisis: Unemployment and bankruptcies are skyrocketing, and millions aren't paying rent. But home sales are skyrocketing, too. In fact, they're rising at a record pace.
Work After COVID
Jul 28 2020 8 mins  
The use of technologies that help office workers do their work remotely could have unanticipated, long-lasting effects for low-skilled workers too.
The Extra $600
Jul 27 2020 9 mins  
Nearly one in five U.S. workers is on unemployment benefits. And most of them are about to see their checks cut in half, as Congress' expanded benefits expire this month.
The Power Of Workers
Jul 24 2020 9 mins  
The three main drivers behind the decline in worker power.
Can Restaurants Reopen?
Jul 23 2020 9 mins  
Restaurants are going out of business in droves. But some are battling hard to keep their doors open.
Question Time!
Jul 22 2020 9 mins  
What's the garbage situation? How can we invest in Black-owned businesses? And what's the state of the gig economy? Your questions, answered.
A Tale Of Two Camdens
Jul 21 2020 9 mins  
The city of Camden, New Jersey is cited as an example of how cities can change their approach to policing. But the story of Camden and its cops isn't a simple one.
This Weekend's (Fiscal) Cliffhanger
Jul 20 2020 9 mins  
Unless Congress acts, unemployment benefit enhancements will expire. And that could have big effects on the economy.
A Conversation With Gary Cohn
Jul 17 2020 9 mins  
Gary Cohn was President Trump's economic advisor, and a prime mover behind the $2 trillion tax cut of 2017. We talk to him about the state of the economy.
A Race Reckoning In Economics
Jul 16 2020 9 mins  
The economics profession has a serious inclusion problem, and that matters for how all of us understand the economy.
When SNAP Gets Squeezed
Jul 15 2020 9 mins  
One in five American households doesn't have enough food to eat. And the program that's supposed to help is about to shrink.
Oil Storage Wars
Jul 14 2020 9 mins  
Because of the global economic slowdown, there's a glut of oil on the market right now. And companies are coming up with creative ways to store it.
Leaving Prison In The COVID-19 Economy
Jul 13 2020 9 mins  
Reentering the world and the workforce after you've been in prison is hard enough at the best of times. The coronavirus pandemic has made it a whole lot harder.
The Small Business Roller Coaster
Jul 10 2020 9 mins  
Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream in Seattle has been on the same economic and political roller coaster ride many small businesses have. Now they're trying to open back up, survive and grow.
Texas Hospitals Battle COVID-19
Jul 09 2020 9 mins  
Rural hospitals in Texas are scrambling for equipment and staff to combat the surge in coronavirus cases.
Why We Need Black-Owned Banks
Jul 08 2020 9 mins  
Black-owned financial institutions are a shrinking part of the U.S. financial system. We look at what that means for America's entrenched racial disparities.
Live Music Industry Blues
Jul 07 2020 9 mins  
Live music events are like micro-economies that support hundreds of small businesses. Coronavirus is hammering them.
Unintended Consequences, Hidden Deaths
Jul 06 2020 9 mins  
The way organizations and governments respond to disasters often have hidden consequences; sometimes those consequences can be fatal.
Jobs In June
Jul 02 2020 9 mins  
The BLS jobs report for June was better than expected, but showed the U.S. economy is still suffering badly from coronavirus.
The Market For Student Loans
Jul 01 2020 9 mins  
Americans owe about $1.5 trillion in student debt. But who actually owns those loans? One borrower goes looking for an answer—and uncovers a multi-billion dollar shadow market.
Listener Questions: Past Pandemics And Property Prices
Jun 30 2020 9 mins  
On the Spanish Flu, housing prices, and the resilience of Australia's economy. Indicator listener questions, answered.
The Uncounted Workforce
Jun 29 2020 9 mins  
Incarcerated Americans make goods for American companies, and get paid next to nothing for their labor.
Sadie Alexander, America's First Black Economist
Jun 26 2020 9 mins  
Sadie Alexander was the first African-American to earn a PhD in economics. We think her contributions deserve another look.
Liar Loans
Jun 25 2020 9 mins  
Many businesses have been negatively affected by the pandemic. But some companies that have borrowed a lot of money are manipulating their numbers, to avoid breaking their debt agreements.
Black Workers And The Fed
Jun 24 2020 8 mins  
How the Federal Reserve manages the economy can have an outsize effect on Black workers. Here's how to make sure it doesn't leave them behind again.
The Economics Of Vaccine Pricing
Jun 23 2020 9 mins  
Governments and drug companies agree: We need to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. But their motives for developing a vaccine are different. And that will have a big effect on the vaccine's price.
Poker, Markets And Life
Jun 22 2020 9 mins  
How a psychologist who learned how to play high stakes poker as a way to study human behavior learned a lot about risk management, mendacity and the markets.
Daymond John: Swimming With Sharks
Jun 19 2020 9 mins  
Daymond John, founder of the iconic brand FUBU and investor on the reality show Shark Tank, talked to us about how he got his start and maintained his lead in the cutthroat world of fashion apparel.
When A Boomtown Goes Bust
Jun 18 2020 9 mins  
Williston, North Dakota doubled in size during the shale oil boom a decade ago. Now oil prices have fallen and the town's facing hard times.
How Other Countries Handled Their Jobs Crises
Jun 17 2020 9 mins  
Not all countries approached the COVID-19 economic crisis the way the U.S. did. How different strategies on unemployment had radically different outcomes.
Who Pays For The Police?
Jun 16 2020 9 mins  
Police fines and fees have helped to fill city coffers, but they've done serious damage to community relations.
High-Frequency Indicators
Jun 15 2020 8 mins  
Five "high-frequency" indicators help us track the health of the U.S. economy
The Business Of Police Surveillance
Jun 12 2020 8 mins  
The companies that lead the field in surveillance technology are turning against it.
Story Of A Paper
Jun 11 2020 9 mins  
Why a groundbreaking paper by Lisa Cook on the effects of racist violence took ten years to get published.
The Cost Of Contact Tracing
Jun 10 2020 9 mins  
Contact tracing is one of the most effective ways to contain a pandemic and dates back to the 1300s. But the modern versions are coming at a real cost.
The Post Pandemic City
Jun 09 2020 9 mins  
Big American cities might never look the same again, post coronavirus. And that could be the making of them.
The Minnesota Paradox
Jun 08 2020 9 mins  
Minnesota is often touted as one of the best places to live in the U.S. — it has the numbers to prove it. And yet, the state has some of the worst racial disparities of any state in the country.
Unemployment And The Racial Divide
Jun 05 2020 9 mins  
How well a family can endure a spell of unemployment depends on how much of a buffer it has to fall back on. And there are big racial and ethnic disparities in how big those buffers are.
The Business Of Antibody Tests
Jun 04 2020 9 mins  
Companies all over the world are jockeying for position in the lucrative COVID-19 antibody testing market, but are quality standards getting lost in the shuffle?
Police Unions And Civilian Deaths
Jun 03 2020 9 mins  
There appears to be a relationship between police unionization and the number of people killed by officers.
Where Are The Business Bankruptcies?
Jun 02 2020 9 mins  
When the coronavirus hit, economists predicted a tsunami of bankruptcies. But that hasn't happened.
Racism And Economics
Jun 02 2020 9 mins  
The coronavirus pandemic has been called "the great equalizer." But in fact, COVID-19 has disproportionately affected African Americans in all kinds of ways.
The Beige Book And The Pig Farmer
May 29 2020 9 mins  
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book provides anecdotes from various parts of the economy. This month's edition illustrates the pain being suffered by pig farmers.
Melissa Dell On Security And Prosperity
May 28 2020 9 mins  
Mellisa Dell, this year's John Bates Clark Medal winner, explains the relationship between security, prosperity and the rule of law.
#WFH Forever?
May 27 2020 9 mins  
Many of us are working from home for now. Some could be destined to do it forever.
Rent In The Time Of Coronavirus
May 26 2020 9 mins  
The landlord-tenant relationship is often a tense one and it's becoming a national problem.
Stocks Are Up But The Economy's Down
May 22 2020 9 mins  
The stock market has recovered more than half the ground lost when it crashed nearly 34 percent starting in late February. But the economy hasn't recovered. Why is there such a stark disconnect?
Waiting For A Surge
May 21 2020 8 mins  
Hospitals lost millions of dollars preparing for a surge of COVID-19 patients. Some were swamped, but others only saw a handful of coronavirus cases. Now many are struggling to survive.
The Persistence Of Poverty
May 20 2020 9 mins  
Melissa Dell, winner of the John Bates Clark Medal for economics, on why poverty and insecurity are so persistent in certain parts of the world.
The Public Transit Problem
May 19 2020 9 mins  
Public transit systems are vital to cities. Many have been shut down or slowed during the pandemic. Now city administrators have to figure out how to reopen them.
Small Banks' Corona Crunch
May 18 2020 8 mins  
Many banks have changed the way they work, as they hurry to get billions in CARES Act cash to small businesses.
Waiting For A Check
May 15 2020 9 mins  
State unemployment offices have been slammed, as 36 million Americans have lost their jobs. And now individuals and the U.S. economy are depending on these often underfunded operations to step up.
Reopening Sports: Does MMA Point The Way?
May 14 2020 9 mins  
Mixed martial arts is the first major spectator sport in the U.S. to host live events since the coronavirus lockdown. Other sports are watching to see whether MMA could point the way.
Coronavirus, Farmworkers And America's Food Supply
May 13 2020 9 mins  
The working conditions on many farms mean that agricultural laborers are at high risk of getting COVID-19. That poses a real threat to those workers and to the country's food supply.
Pay Cuts Vs. Layoffs
May 12 2020 9 mins  
Companies hammered by the economic collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic are being forced to make a hard choice: lay staff off or cut their pay.
On Demand
May 11 2020 9 mins  
The U.S. economy depends on consumer demand. And demand is way down because of the coronavirus pandemic. What happens if it doesn't come back?
A Brutal Jobs Report
May 08 2020 9 mins  
The jobs report for this month was nightmarish. But as bad as it was, it hid some even worse news about the employment situation.
Gov. Newsom On Reopening California
May 07 2020 9 mins  
California Governor Gavin Newsom talks with Stacey Vanek Smith about his plans to reopen the fifth largest economy in the world.
Masks En Vogue
May 07 2020 9 mins  
If the pandemic goes on much longer, or its aftereffects linger, face masks will inevitably become a fashion accessory.
Italy Reopens: A Tale of Two Bookstores
May 05 2020 9 mins  
Italy was one of the countries hardest hit by coronavirus, and was one of the first to shut down its economy. Now it's reopening. But not everyone's happy about it.
The Workplace In The COVID-19 Era
May 04 2020 9 mins  
As businesses make plans to reopen their workplaces, we're probably going to find that these spaces will look very different than before.
Creating A Post Pandemic World
May 01 2020 9 mins  
We're all thinking about what the world might look like after this pandemic. Several years ago, Justin Marks had a vision of how things might be, in his TV show, Counterpart.
Essential Workers
Apr 30 2020 9 mins  
Essential workers put themselves at risk of infection every day to keep the economy running. But many aren't well protected or compensated for the dangerous work they do.
Getting Back To Business
Apr 29 2020 9 mins  
Small and medium size enterprises tend not to have much of a cash cushion, so most are desperate to get back to work. But many are finding that reopening after a pandemic is a messy business.
Disease In A Globalized World
Apr 28 2020 9 mins  
Globalization and urbanization historically have made the global economy more productive and efficient — and also more vulnerable to pandemics. But now they can be forces for good in the fight against disease.
The Bankruptcy Question
Apr 27 2020 9 mins  
The COVID-19 pandemic is driving thousands of people and businesses into bankruptcy.
How The Fed Fights Coronavirus
Apr 24 2020 9 mins  
Much has been made of the unprecedented legislation passed by Congress in its attempt to curtail the economic damage of COVID-19. But what about the Federal Reserve?
The Great Potato Giveaway
Apr 24 2020 9 mins  
Supermarket shelves are empty, and food banks around the country are besieged. So why are farmers dumping, destroying and giving away food?
Why We Didn't Prepare For The Pandemic
Apr 22 2020 9 mins  
We've had plenty of warnings over the years that we weren't ready for a pandemic. Today on the show: the psychology and economics of why.
Oil: Less Than Zero
Apr 21 2020 9 mins  
The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell below zero. In other words, suppliers were paying people to take it off their hands. How did that happen? And what does it mean?
Coronavirus And The Digital Divide
Apr 20 2020 9 mins  
We're spending more time at home, and more time with technology — highlighting a deep digital divide in the United States and introducing thorny ethical dilemmas.
Where's My Stimulus Check?
Apr 17 2020 9 mins  
Sending $1,200 checks to millions of Americans was a big part of the aid bill Congress passed last month. Around 80 million Americans got that money this week. But 60 million are still waiting.
Small Businesses On Their Own
Apr 17 2020 9 mins  
Congress' recent aid package directed $370 billion to help small businesses. The fund is out of money, and it seems very few who applied got help.
Performing After A Pandemic
Apr 15 2020 8 mins  
Live performance has always been a risky business, run on thin margins. The COVID-19 pandemic has ratcheted up that risk and sharpened those margins to a razor's edge.
Rural Hospitals: The Waiting Game
Apr 15 2020 9 mins  
Rural hospitals already walk a scalpel's edge between solvency and collapse. Coronavirus threatens to push many of them over the brink.
The Story So Far
Apr 13 2020 8 mins  
Five indicators provide a gauge of how daily economic life in America has changed.
Why Hospitals Are Laying People Off
Apr 10 2020 9 mins  
Hospitals are ramping up and gathering supplies to deal with a deluge of coronavirus patients. At the same time, revenues are down. All of this means hospitals across the U.S. are laying off workers.
Why Sweden Isn't Locking Down
Apr 09 2020 9 mins  
Most of the world's developed economies have gone on total economic lockdown to combat coronavirus. Sweden has kept its economy open. Sweden says this is better for the economy and for public health.
Coronavirus and Trade
Apr 08 2020 9 mins  
The coronavirus pandemic may have pushed trade wars off the front page, but such wars are still with us — and they're complicating the world's ability to fight the virus.
Coronavirus And The Gig Economy
Apr 07 2020 9 mins  
Many gig workers have suddenly found themselves providing essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. But many also feel like they have to work in an unsafe situation.
Pandemic-onomics: Lessons From The Spanish Flu
Apr 06 2020 9 mins  
Different cities responded in different ways to the Spanish Flu outbreak of 1918. And their economies fared differently as a result.
The Jobs Crisis
Apr 03 2020 9 mins  
We had almost a decade of growth in the jobs market. But in the last two weeks, nearly 10 million people lost their jobs. Today, we look at the labor market — what's happening and where it's headed.
The Coronavirus Pivot
Apr 02 2020 9 mins  
Faced with the prospect of shutting up shop because of coronavirus, some companies are retooling and pivoting to keep their doors open and their workers employed.
Three Ideas To Fight The Recession
Apr 01 2020 9 mins  
Policymakers can still do more to fight the coronavirus recession. Here are three ideas that we haven't yet tried.
Scarcity In The Emergency Room
Mar 31 2020 10 mins  
Emergency rooms all over the country are struggling with limited resources: masks, ventilators, hospital beds, doctors. We talk to one ER doctor in New York about how she is managing those resources right now.
Listeners Ask, We Answer
Mar 30 2020 9 mins  
Coronavirus questions on the yield curve and refinancing. And some of the ways individuals can help.
When Should We Restart the Economy?
Mar 27 2020 8 mins  
President Trump got major backlash this week when he suggested businesses should reopen by Easter. Critics said that was way too early. How do we know when it's safe for businesses to reopen?
The Labor Market Catastrophe
Mar 26 2020 9 mins  
Layoffs and furloughs due to the coronavirus clampdown have pushed 3.3 million Americans to apply for unemployment benefits, the largest weekly increase in U.S. history.
Stimulus Rex
Mar 25 2020 9 mins  
The Senate has managed to negotiate a $2 trillion relief package to help keep the U.S. economy afloat as we deal with the coronavirus pandemic. What's in it and will it be enough?
Pandemic Bonds
Mar 24 2020 9 mins  
A few years ago, the World Bank issued bonds designed to get cash to needy countries in the event of a pandemic. Sounds like a great idea! But the bonds haven't paid out yet and they may never.
The Most Vulnerable Workers
Mar 23 2020 9 mins  
Because of social distancing, the U.S. restaurant industry has entirely disintegrated with unimaginable speed, leaving its workers to face an uncertain future.
Our COVID-19 Indicators Of The Week
Mar 20 2020 9 mins  
Zero and 27 are our indicators of the week. Zero (or nearly zero) is the Fed's new benchmark interest rate. 27 is the number of days that around half of small businesses in the U.S. can go without making money.
The Test Shortage
Mar 19 2020 9 mins  
A short supply of test kits, staff and equipment have put the U.S. behind in terms of coronavirus testing. We talk to one healthcare worker about what's been limiting their coronavirus testing ability.
China's New Normal
Mar 18 2020 8 mins  
China appears to have stopped the spread of coronavirus within its borders. People there are now beginning to adjust to a new normal.
Working From Home
Mar 17 2020 9 mins  
Millions of people all across the world are now having to work from home. Including team Indicator. Today, a look at how this might change the way we work... and what it's like to skip the office.
The Sudden Stop
Mar 16 2020 9 mins  
As social distancing kicks in and cities begin moving aggressively to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the U.S. economy is hitting the brakes. Hard.
Economic Fear Factor
Mar 13 2020 9 mins  
The global economy is being hammered this week - markets have tanked, businesses are closing down. The spreading virus is part of it, but most of the effect is coming from fear.
Healthcare And Economic Despair
Mar 12 2020 8 mins  
The U.S. spends more on healthcare as a share of its economy than any other wealthy country. In addition to making care less affordable, that also causes indirect damage to the rest of the economy.
Disease Detectives
Mar 11 2020 9 mins  
As the outbreak of COVID-19 becomes officially classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, we look at the role of the Epidemic Intelligence Service the CDCs "disease detectives".
Tracking The Impact Of Coronavirus In Real Time
Mar 10 2020 8 mins  
The economic effects of the coronavirus outbreak will take some time to show up in the most important economic indicators. We offer three high-frequency indicators to track its effects in real time.
Oil Shock
Mar 09 2020 9 mins  
A spat between Russia and Saudi Arabia led to a collapse in oil prices over the weekend. Stock prices followed. What happened and what it means.
Coronavirus And The Labor Market
Mar 06 2020 9 mins  
Today's healthy jobs report was uncontaminated by the coronavirus outbreak, but some parts of the labor market may be especially vulnerable in the months ahead.
Health Policy Is Economic Policy
Mar 05 2020 9 mins  
U.S. policymakers are taking steps to limit the spread and impact of coronavirus. But they're not helped by American health policy, which could use an overhaul if it's to limit the spread of viral outbreaks.
The Corona Bump
Mar 04 2020 9 mins  
As coronavirus wreaks havoc on the global economy, some businesses are actually experiencing a boom in demand. Today on the show, what happens when everyone suddenly wants to panic-buy your product.
Coronavirus: Update From Italy
Mar 03 2020 8 mins  
The coronavirus continues to roil global markets and economies - including here at home, where the markets took yet another dive. Today, we look at an epicenter of the virus outbreak: northern Italy.
The Economic Lessons Of A Free Solo Climb
Mar 02 2020 9 mins  
In 2017, rock climber Alex Honnold ascended Yosemite's rock formation El Capitan free solo, meaning without ropes or equipment. On today's show, we look at the economic lessons revealed by Honnold's extraordinary feat.
Coronavirus: A View From Hong Kong
Feb 28 2020 9 mins  
As coronavirus fears roiled markets this week, we hear from Bloomberg's Tracy Alloway, who's based in Hong Kong, about what it's like to live in a city in the throes of an outbreak
How Wealth Has Changed
Feb 27 2020 9 mins  
The world has changed, and nearly two thirds of global wealth is human capital. Policymakers and politicians may not understand just what that means for global politics.
The Rise And Fall (And Rise?) Of NASCAR
Feb 26 2020 9 mins  
Last week's Daytona 500 came at a precarious time for NASCAR. Once a behemoth in the world of professional sports, the company is now trying to entice a new generation of race fans.
Why Netflix Turned To Junk
Feb 25 2020 9 mins  
Netflix had to become a content producer to compete with other streaming services. To raise the money to pay for all that content, the company turned to junk bonds.
For Richer Or... Richer
Feb 24 2020 9 mins  
The effects of assortative mating, or, what happens when people increasingly marry only other people with similar incomes and education.
The Indicator The Candidates Should Be Talking About
Feb 21 2020 9 mins  
Political Economist Jared Bernstein watched this week's Democratic debate. Many economic issues came up, but he thinks the candidates need to start talking about how much U.S. households are saving.
Timecard Capitalists
Feb 20 2020 9 mins  
People who make the highest salaries are increasingly the same people who draw the highest incomes from their capital.
Meet Our Junk Bond!
Feb 19 2020 9 mins  
Last year, Team Indicator bought a junk bond! The bond was from a company called Hornbeck Offshore Services. On today's show, we learn more about the company and we check in on our investment.
Listener Questions: Minimum Wage & Gender-Fluid Tadpoles
Feb 18 2020 9 mins  
Cardiff takes on the national debt, minimum wage, and gender-fluid tadpoles to get answers to your burning questions.
How Economists Do Valentines
Feb 14 2020 9 mins  
It's an Economic Valentine! Economics isn't known as a language of love. But economists Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers say it's central to their relationship and to their decisions as a couple.
For Rent: Fast Fashion
Feb 13 2020 9 mins  
Buy or rent? That's becoming a question for manufacturers of more and more types of products. Now fast fashion brands are trying to get in on the movement, too.
The First Milestone In The History of Economics
Feb 12 2020 9 mins  
The first milestone in the history of economics was an 8th century B.C. poem — a lecture by an ancient Greek poet to his deadbeat brother.
Why Cheap Solar Could Save the World
Feb 11 2020 9 mins  
In the last fifteen years, the cost of solar energy has declined so sharply that it has recently become the cheapest form of energy in the world. Now, major companies are jumping in to invest, but will the markets follow?
Coronavirus And The Global Economy
Feb 10 2020 9 mins  
The coronavirus has sickened more than 40,000 people and killed more than 900. In addition to that devastating human toll, the outbreak is likely to have economically destructive effects as well.
Jobs Friday: The Racial Unemployment Gap
Feb 07 2020 9 mins  
The unemployment rate for black workers is roughly twice that of white workers - and has been for half a century. Today we discuss the reasons for the gap, and how to shrink it.
Betting On The Oscars
Feb 06 2020 9 mins  
Betting on the Oscars is now legal in New Jersey and Indiana, so we went down to Atlantic City to place a bet on Best Picture. And we spoke to a few experts beforehand to understand how to make a better bet.
Triple-A Ratings Are So Yesterday
Feb 05 2020 9 mins  
It used to be that companies strove for the best credit rating possible. Today, however, almost everyone's happy to slide by with a barely passing grade.
Peak Misery And The Happiness Curve
Feb 04 2020 9 mins  
How do you measure happiness? Economist David Blanchflower says age has a lot to do with it.
Even The Facts Are Polarized
Feb 03 2020 9 mins  
As Iowans prepare to make their selection for the Democratic presidential nominee, a new study sheds light on just how polarized Americans are, even when it comes to reality itself.
A Business Owner's View On Brexit
Jan 31 2020 9 mins  
Today is Brexit Day. As of 11:00pm tonight (GMT), the UK will no longer be part of the European Union. We spoke to a small business owner about what that might mean.
American Dynamism In Decline
Jan 30 2020 9 mins  
America has a hard-earned reputation for being the most dynamic economy on the globe. But that dynamism could be waning.
The Economic Impact Of An Infectious Disease
Jan 29 2020 9 mins  
As the coronavirus spreads internationally, we wanted to know what it looks like when an infectious disease shuts down one of the world's largest economies. We speak with NPR Beijing correspondent, Emily Feng.
Weird (Amazon) Flex, But Okay
Jan 28 2020 9 mins  
Nearly half of Amazon's packages are delivered not by UPS or USPS, but by the company itself. Amazon employs thousands of gig workers to make its deliveries, administering them through an app called Amazon Flex.
The Indicator Plays 'Ms. Monopoly'
Jan 27 2020 9 mins  
Monopoly recently rolled out a version of its classic board game, meant to highlight female contributions to the economy as well as women's economic issues. Today on the show, we play Ms. Monopoly.
Fun Fact Friday: Aggressively Passive Edition
Jan 24 2020 9 mins  
Cardiff is back to present three economic facts for Stacey to deem fun, not fun, or just plain fascinating.
Buddhists, Sociopaths And The Art Of Investing
Jan 23 2020 9 mins  
There's been a lot of troubling economic and political news over the last few years. In spite of that, the stock market has just kept on climbing.
Dueling Indicators: Stock Market Edition
Jan 22 2020 9 mins  
Stacey and Cardiff face off on the question of whether the stock market is overvalued or undervalued.
Can You Name Five Fine Artists That Are Women?
Jan 21 2020 10 mins  
On average, work by women artists sells for 40% less than work by male artists. Their work also represents just a small sliver of what's displayed in museums. So, how did women get shut out of the art world?
A Bag of Bolívares: And Other Indicators From Venezuela
Jan 17 2020 9 mins  
Venezuela started 2019 with rolling blackouts, hyperinflation, and crippling food shortages. Things have actually gotten a little better, mostly thanks to the economic innovations of everyday people.
China Trade Deal: A Truce Awakens?
Jan 16 2020 9 mins  
The U.S. and China signed a trade deal yesterday - one where China has pledged to buy $200 billion worth of U.S. goods over the next two years. Seems like a big win for the U.S., but is it?
How The FCC Is Trying To Take On Robocalls
Jan 15 2020 9 mins  
In October 2019, Americans received a record number of robocalls: 5.7 billion. We talked to Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus about these pesky calls and how we can avoid them.
How Amazon's Counterfeit Products Threaten Safety
Jan 14 2020 9 mins  
Over half of sales on Amazon are from third-party sellers, some of whom are selling counterfeit goods. Faulty car seats are threatening children's safety, but is Amazon being held liable?
How Trade Wars Fill The Swamp
Jan 13 2020 9 mins  
How lobbyists' campaigns for exclusions to the trade war have skewed incentives and disadvantaged small businesses.
Episode 500! And Jobs Friday
Jan 10 2020 9 mins  
Two reasons to blow the airhorn today: it's Jobs Friday, and The Indicator's 500th episode!
What To Watch In 2020
Jan 09 2020 9 mins  
Predictions can be a fool's errand. Instead, we take a look at economic trends that we're planning to keep an eye on this year.
The Popularity Of (And Problem With) Municipal Bonds
Jan 08 2020 9 mins  
Thirsty for yield, and eager for tax breaks, investors are falling over themselves to buy municipal bonds. That could be a problem if the economy turns sour.
All The Single Ladies...Are Losing In The Housing Market
Jan 07 2020 9 mins  
A home is the largest purchase most Americans will ever make. Why single women are losing out in both buying and selling compared to their male counterparts.
The Business Behind The Color Of The Year
Jan 06 2020 9 mins  
Since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has announced a "color of the year." This year's color: Classic Blue.
The Skyrocketing Cost Of Air Ambulances
Jan 03 2020 9 mins  
After a catastrophic accident, you may be rushed to the hospital in an air ambulance. It could save your life, but there's no way to predict how much it will cost.
The Bubble That Broke Kuwait
Jan 02 2020 9 mins  
How a simple financial innovation turned a parking garage in Kuwait into one of the most important markets in the world... and how it all came crashing down.
The Great British Bicycle Bubble
Dec 31 2019 9 mins  
We continue our series on financial bubbles with the British bicycle mania of the 1890s and the trail of bankrupt companies it left behind.
The Roman Financial Crisis Of A.D. 33
Dec 30 2019 9 mins  
What lessons should we learn from one of the earliest documented financial crises in history?
The Work Week, Episode 4: Is The Unemployment Rate Broken?
Dec 27 2019 9 mins  
Economist Jared Bernstein thinks it's about time we admit that the unemployment rate is not as useful as it used to be. He offers three alternative indicators.
The Work Week, Episode 3: Gender Segregation In The Workplace
Dec 26 2019 9 mins  
The most common jobs for men and the most common jobs for women tend to be different — and this separation has big effects for everyone.
The Work Week, Episode 2: What Happened To U.S. Workers?
Dec 24 2019 9 mins  
The share of people aged 25 to 54 in the labor force has fallen in the past couple of decades. What happened?
The Work Week, Episode 1: The Strike That Changed U.S. Labor
Dec 23 2019 9 mins  
The 1937 union agreement between General Motors and the United Auto Workers union ushered in a period of tremendous worker prosperity and union strength. But today, labor is nowhere near a powerful as it used to be. What happened?
Fun Fact Friday!
Dec 20 2019 9 mins  
Stacey busts out the funometer and casts judgment on Cardiff's facts.
We Buy A Junk Bond!
Dec 19 2019 9 mins  
Cardiff said the best gift he could imagine getting was a junk bond... so we thought, "Can we actually buy one of those? Also, what exactly is a junk bond?"
How Economics Excludes Black Women
Dec 18 2019 9 mins  
Economics is an academic field notorious for its lack of diversity. This is especially true for black female economists. Why are they being left out?
A Guide To Holiday Scams
Dec 17 2019 9 mins  
"It's the most wonderful time of the year. But for consumers, it's also the most dangerous." David Lazarus of the Los Angeles Times discusses some of the major scams that arise during the holidays.
The Efficient Christmas: Why Economists Hate Gifts
Dec 16 2019 9 mins  
When economists see holiday gifts, they see waste: sweaters that never get worn; books that never get read. Many recommend cash or no gift at all. Economist Tim Harford may have a compromise.
A Trade War Truce?
Dec 13 2019 9 mins  
The Trump administration announced it would hit the brakes on a new set of tariffs that were set to go into effect on Dec. 15. Could it be the start of a détente in the ongoing trade war?
Underrated Trends Of The 2010s
Dec 12 2019 9 mins  
The 2010s have been a rich decade for economic megatrends. But some trends haven't gotten the attention they deserve.
Debt And The Dairy Farmer
Dec 11 2019 9 mins  
Mary Rieckmann and her husband run a small dairy in rural Wisconsin. But a perfect storm of factors has plunged farmers like her into crippling debt.
The Disappearing Small Farmer
Dec 10 2019 9 mins  
It's been a tough year for small farmers hit by trade wars and extreme weather. And as Time's Alana Semuels reports, this latest trouble is just part of a decades-long decline in small-scale farming.
New York City's Luxury Condo Hangover
Dec 09 2019 9 mins  
When the rich stop buying luxury condos, sale prices drop for everyone. But rents are a different story.
Job(-switch) Friday!
Dec 06 2019 9 mins  
It's time for our favorite Friday of every month: Jobs Friday! This week, we look at job switching and what it reflects about the tightening labor market.
Nike Swooshes Out Of Amazon
Dec 05 2019 9 mins  
Nike, the country's largest sporting brand, is pulling its products off of Amazon. What spurred this decision, and will other companies follow suit?
The Case For Hope In 2020
Dec 04 2019 9 mins  
Today, the show takes a distinctly positive stance in making the case for being optimistic about the economy in 2020. Five reasons why you should, plus kittens and rainbows.
The Map That Made Manhattan
Dec 03 2019 9 mins  
Manhattan is known for being a grid. But 200 years ago, it was a hilly, bucolic wilderness. The transformation all started with a secret map. And the reason was all about economics.
Hudson's Kill
Dec 02 2019 9 mins  
Back in the early 1800s, Manhattan was a wild, sparsely populated place, but it was just about to be developed big-time. There was a lot of money to be made knowing what would go where.
The Sahm Rule With The Eponymous Economist
Nov 27 2019 8 mins  
Economist Claudia Sahm explains the eponymous Sahm Rule, and how changes in the unemployment rate point to whether or not we are in a recession.
Niche Products In Our Grocery Stores
Nov 26 2019 9 mins  
Niche food products at grocery stores have been getting more and more popular. But, what took so long?
The $100 Million Apple
Nov 25 2019 9 mins  
Next week, a new product will hit store shelves. It's been in development for 20 years and cost millions of dollars to bring to market. It's a new kind of apple. And the stakes are high.
Saudi Arabia's IPO Fail?
Nov 22 2019 9 mins  
After years of teasing, deliberating and negotiating, oil behemoth Saudi Aramco finally looks poised to go public. But the IPO is shaping up to be a lot more modest than the original plan.
Ready Your Wallet For Thanksgiving Dinner
Nov 21 2019 9 mins  
What will Thanksgiving dinner cost you this year? Also, Cardiff brings back the debate on which is better, pumpkin or pecan pie.
Lancaster Spotlight, Part 2: A Refugee's Tale
Nov 20 2019 9 mins  
In our second spotlight episode on Lancaster County, we look into what Lancaster's success can tell us about the relationship between refugees and the local economy.
Grocery Store Wars
Nov 19 2019 9 mins  
The profit margin for groceries is razor thin. To stay competitive against increasingly large competitors like Amazon Prime, retailers are turning to a new service: curbside pickup.
How Does The Economy Influence Voters?
Nov 18 2019 6 mins  
The economy is one of the most important factors in how people vote. But its influence has been changing and it has everything to do with politics.
Fun Facts Fridays
Nov 15 2019 9 mins  
Cardiff surprises Stacey with three feel-good facts about the economy, and she decides whether or not those facts are awesome.
Winning The Nobel
Nov 14 2019 9 mins  
Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee talk about their work and what happens when you win a Nobel Prize.
Politics And The Trade War
Nov 13 2019 9 mins  
Did President Trump's trade policies cost Republican votes last year? We talk to economist Chad Bown to find out.
The Great Cranberry Scare Of 1959
Nov 12 2019 9 mins  
Sixty years ago, a food scare nearly crushed the cranberry business. Cranberries have bounced back since then, but the industry is facing new threats.
Why Sam Sanders Is Binging 'Friends'
Nov 11 2019 9 mins  
Netflix, HBO, Amazon, Hulu, Disney, NBC, they're all at war for your eyeballs. Today on the show, the streaming wars. Who the major players are, what's at stake and what it will mean for you.
The Lancaster, Pa., Puzzle
Nov 08 2019 9 mins  
A heavily rural county with a big manufacturing base and a low share of college graduates has found a way to thrive.
Your Secret Score
Nov 08 2019 9 mins  
It's no secret that every online platform you use is keeping track of your information. But what if this data is being used to give you a 'score' as a customer?
4.8 • 17 Ratings

Barrda Dec 19 2020
Great show, essential listening! We should all be increasing our Econ IQ!

settingduck Jan 01 2021
I love the bite-size explanation to the various issues we face in the economy.




JeffGrubb Dec 17 2020
Important.

shane0714 Nov 18 2020
One of my go-to podcasts. I enjoy the quick explanations of different economy-related news stories.

Andreas Nov 07 2020
Informative yet fun

palal Aug 03 2020
Used to be good, but now the content is being dumbed down too much and the topics are not as interesting.

Pizza Crustacean Jul 28 2020
A daily podcast from NPR with quick, fun economics stories. The hosts are knowledgeable and entertaining to listen to.




Mercie P. Chesll Jun 29 2020
Good

Andrés Rodríguez Jun 14 2020
Cardiff and Stacy are great. Basically a mini Planet Money but with these two as hosts. For me personally I think I like this one even more, they're more playful but at the same time hugely data driven. And of course have great guests.

TPGolfer May 14 2020
Great snapshots of financial updates fault in easily digestible shots

Swordchucks May 13 2020
One of my favorite daily podcasts. Does an excellent job of breaking down economic news into bite sized chunks.

StrumLifeAway May 12 2020
Love this podcast




JoelC May 07 2020
Superbly informative and always interesting.

obe34 May 05 2020
Good fast podcast, interesting and informative

wzr6np Apr 29 2020
Who knew economics could be interesting?

Jontb02 Apr 28 2020
Great little snip bits of economic goodness. Clearly explained and fun to listen to.

SillyInventor Apr 14 2020
If you can't get enough planet money, this will hold you over.