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.
In this podcast episode, the discussion revolves around how reference checks have changed over time. What used to be a quick phone call has now become a lengthy process involving detailed written forms and questionnaires, which can overwhelm referees. This change stems from employers' concerns about legal risks and the...
The podcast examines the unprecedented influx of billionaires in President-elect Trump's upcoming administration. While wealthy individuals have long wielded political influence, the remarkable number and combined wealth of over $300 billion among Trump's appointees raises significant concerns about conflicts of intere...
The US economy is currently leading among G7 countries, fueled by strong productivity driven by business innovation, investments, and technological leadership. It benefits from an energy advantage thanks to the shale revolution, a robust stock market that attracts global investors, and the strength of the US dollar as ...
This week's Indicators of the Week highlights several key developments. First, the failed merger between Albertsons and Kroger has led to a lawsuit for a $600 million breakup fee, which could affect jobs and lead to store closures. In tech news, Google has unveiled a groundbreaking quantum computing chip that can perfo...
In this podcast episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Karam Shaar, a Syrian economist exiled in New Zealand. Utilizing his expertise, Karam uncovered significant corruption and inefficiencies in how international aid was distributed to Syria. By meticulously analyzing financial data, he exposed how millions ...
In this episode of the NPR Indicator podcast, the hosts present the quirky "Beige Awards," an amusing ceremony honoring the Federal Reserve's Beige Book, which offers snapshots of regional economies. The Minneapolis Fed earned a runner-up spot for its insightful analysis of rural labor shortages, while the Richmond Fed...
The podcast explores the issue of hidden government debt, a significant problem affecting countries worldwide that often underreport their borrowing. Researchers have uncovered around $1 trillion in concealed debt across nearly 150 nations, frequently hidden through secret loans from other countries. While some of this...
In this podcast episode, the hosts explore the science behind workplace influence, challenging common misconceptions about persuasion. They highlight that effective influence goes beyond just presenting facts or understanding what motivates people. Instead, it combines three key elements: evidence—delivering clear and ...
In this episode of Planet Money Indicator, the focus is on the growing wage gap among men in the US since 1979. Men with college degrees have enjoyed a substantial wage increase of 38%, while those without a four-year degree have faced stagnant or declining wages, revealing a widening class divide. This trend is linked...
This NPR podcast episode explores SpaceX's rapid increase in Starship launches and the environmental impact of this surge at its Texas launch site. The frequent launches, combined with early failures to implement adequate environmental protections, have harmed the local ecosystem. With a potential second Trump administ...
In this episode of Planet Money Indicator, the focus is on the growing trend of one-day strikes in the US. Unlike the longer strikes of the past, today's labor landscape has shifted due to changing power dynamics between unions and companies, along with the economic challenges faced by low-wage workers. Short, targeted...
In this podcast episode, the focus is on Boeing's transformation from an engineering-centric company to one that emphasizes financial engineering, which has led to a host of issues. This shift, inspired by the "Jack Welch playbook" that prioritizes short-term profits and shareholder returns, prompted aggressive cost-cu...
In this episode of the NPR Indicator podcast, the discussion centers on the economic effects of President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs and tax cuts. While Trump argues that these tariffs will finance tax cuts and stimulate the US economy by promoting domestic production, experts are skeptical. They warn that the tari...
In this episode of the Planet Money Indicator podcast, the focus is on the pivotal role of the U.S. Treasury Secretary in shaping the American economy and affecting personal finances. The Treasury Department oversees government finances, handling everything from Social Security payments to tax collection via the IRS. T...
In this NPR Indicator podcast, the discussion centers on President-elect Trump's proposed housing policies. While he has pledged to make housing more affordable, the details remain unclear. His strategy includes deregulating the market to boost supply, possibly opening federal land for development, and lowering mortgag...
The podcast explores the challenges of measuring the housing shortage in the U.S. Different approaches produce widely varying results, largely due to unclear definitions of "vacant" homes and what constitutes a "normal" vacancy rate. While national statistics are frequently referenced, the issue is primarily local, req...
In this episode of the Planet Money Indicator podcast, the hosts dive into three unusual economic indicators. They explore the lack of price transparency in the funeral industry, examine how Elon Musk's net worth has skyrocketed since Trump's election, and discuss the eye-catching $6.2 million sale of a banana duct-tap...
In this episode of the Planet Money Indicator podcast, the focus is on "bond vigilantes," influential investors who shape government policy through their buying and selling of government bonds. Traditionally, these investors have played a crucial role in controlling inflation by lowering demand for bonds, which raises ...
In this podcast episode, the focus is on Magic Johnson's collaboration with Starbucks to open cafes in mainly Black and Latino neighborhoods. Launched after the 1992 LA riots, this initiative aimed to revitalize these communities by creating jobs and boosting economic growth. Recent research shows a strong link between...
In this podcast episode, experts share insights on how to navigate shopping during supply chain disruptions. Rather than succumbing to panic buying, they recommend a more deliberate approach. Consider whether the product is made domestically, which can lessen the effects of import challenges, and think about whether th...
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