The Indicator from Planet Money podcast discusses three economic indicators. Adrian Ma reports on General Motors' $888 million investment in V-8 engines, a shift from their previous focus on electric vehicles, potentially influenced by slowing EV sales and political changes. Waylon Wong details the proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, involving a "golden share" granting the U.S. government significant control. Darian Woods introduces the acronym "TACO" (Trump Always Chickens Out), reflecting market speculation that Trump's tariff threats are ultimately negotiating tactics, a claim supported by Trump himself. The episode concludes with a discussion of the legal challenges to Trump's tariffs.
