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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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Will Iran block the Strait of Hormuz?

A U.S. aircraft carrier crosses the Strait of Hormuz US Navy/AP Newsroom hide caption

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US Navy/AP Newsroom

Will Iran block the Strait of Hormuz?

The world has held a close eye on the Strait of Hormuz lately with Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran. Nearly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil passes through the narrow waterway, and many are worried Iran could shut the strait down. Today on the show, we explore what it would mean for Iran to close off the strait, and what insurance could tell us about tensions in the Middle East.

Will Iran block the Strait of Hormuz?

Listen · 9:27
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You told us how tariffs are affecting you

Phil Lazarus is buying guitar gear in the face of tariffs Phil Lazarus hide caption

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Phil Lazarus

You told us how tariffs are affecting you

Americans like to spend money. In fact, we spend more per person than almost any other country in the world. So, we wanted to know how an uncertain economy is affecting that. Today on the show, we hear from consumers directly on how their spending habits have changed the past few months.

You told us how tariffs are affecting you

Listen · 9:18
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SALT-n-pessimism
Sebalos/Getty Images

SALT-n-pessimism

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

SALT-n-pessimism

Listen · 8:50
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Why the 30-year bond matters

Back in 1918, a Chaplin film featuring the Liberty Bond. Associated Press hide caption

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Associated Press

Why the 30-year bond matters

Last week, the U.S. Treasury held an auction for 30-year bonds. Some were worried no one would show up to buy these things! That didn't happen, but the 'long bond' isn't exactly thriving at the moment. Today on the show, we look back at why we have such a long maturity bond and why it might be a good idea to start paying attention to it going forward.

Why the 30-year bond matters

Listen · 9:16
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Mixing family business with US trade policy in Vietnam
Getty Images

Mixing family business with US trade policy in Vietnam

Last month, Eric Trump, executive vice president at The Trump Organization, attended a ceremony in Vietnam to break ground on a $1.5 billion residential development and golf course. This comes as Vietnam's government is in trade talks with the administration of Eric's father, President Donald Trump.

Mixing family business with US trade policy in Vietnam

Listen · 8:44
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The secret to Nintendo's success
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The secret to Nintendo's success

Nintendo has been a titan in the video game industry for decades, but that wasn't always the case. At its very core, Nintendo sees itself as a toy company which is evident in its products from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to the Nintendo Switch 2.

The secret to Nintendo's success

Listen · 9:25
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Trump's parade, FEMA phase out, and Warner Bros. Discovery divorces ... itself?
Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

Trump's parade, FEMA phase out, and Warner Bros. Discovery divorces ... itself?

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

Trump's parade, FEMA phase out, and Warner Bros. Discovery divorces ... itself?

Listen · 8:46
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The hidden costs of healthcare churn
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The hidden costs of healthcare churn

Healthcare churn—when people switch insurance plans—is particularly bad in the US.

The hidden costs of healthcare churn

Listen · 8:48
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