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The Indicator from Planet Money podcast

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The Indicator from Planet Money

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  NPR  

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.Try Planet Money+! a new way to support the show you love, get a sponsor-free feed of the podcast, *and* get access to bonus content. You'll also get access to The Indicator and Planet Money Summer School, both without interruptions. sign up at plus.npr.org/planetmoney

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.Try Planet Money+! a new way to support the show you love, get a sponsor-free feed of the podcast, *and* get access to bonus content. You'll also get access to The Indicator and Planet Money Summer School, both without interruptions. sign up at plus.npr.org/planetmoney

 

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Progress

Duration

Release Date

#300

What's a moneyline bet anyway?

The online financial website Investopedia compiles an annual list of the top ten financial terms that drew the most interest from their audience. The 2024 list covers familiar concepts like inflation and tariffs, as well as more niche terms like moneyline bets and stock splits. Today, we visit the highlights of 2024 in economic terms. [The 2024 Investopedia Terms of the Year] (https://www.investopedia.com/the-2024-investopedia-terms-of-the-year-8754569) Related episodes: [The Indicator's bet on the Super Bowl ] (https://www.npr.org/2022/02/14/1080714262/the-indicators-bet-on-the-super-bowl) [How Trump's tariffs plan might work] (https://www.npr.org/2024/12/02/1216727936/trump-tariffs-china-exports) [The tower of NVIDIA] (https://www.npr.org/2024/06/24/1197965414/how-nvidia-jensen-huang-fueled-ai) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Fact-checking by [Sierra Juarez] (https://www.npr.org/people/g-s1-26724/sierra-juarez#:~:text=for%20Planet%20Money-,Sierra%20Juarez%20is%20a%20researcher%20and%20fact%20checker%20at%20the,and%20fact%20checking%20in%20Mexico.) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

Yesterday

09 MINS

09:18

Yesterday

#299

Why Netflix spent billions for WWE

Last night, after years on cable, WWE's flagship show, Monday Night Raw, made its debut on Netflix. It's another example of live sports programming making the move to streaming as more people abandon cable television. Today on the show, we talk to a TV analyst about what Netflix's increasing investments in live sports means for the war between streamers and cable companies.For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Fact-checking by [Sierra Juarez] (https://www.npr.org/people/g-s1-26724/sierra-juarez#:~:text=for%20Planet%20Money-,Sierra%20Juarez%20is%20a%20researcher%20and%20fact%20checker%20at%20the,and%20fact%20checking%20in%20Mexico.) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

07 Jan 2025

07 MINS

07:55

07 Jan 2025

#298

The water mystery unfolding in the western U.S.

There's a rural area in Arizona with massive groundwater basins underneath the earth. Water should be plentiful there, but wells are running dry. Today on the show, what's behind the water issues in rural Arizona?Related episodes:Why Midwest crop farmers are having a logistics problem ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000675829534) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nbLrIBXZxVx8DjMhoCWSA?si=4cf4133e8ad44010) ) Why the US government is buying more apples than ever ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000675643138) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wxeAPD6ZKD7HelOWcl8lR?si=5081ef9cdeef4c21) ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

06 Jan 2025

08 MINS

08:34

06 Jan 2025

#297

President Jimmy Carter's economic legacy

On this edition of Indicators of the Week, we discuss the economic legacy of former President, Jimmy Carter. Today on the show, we detail some of his top accomplishments from empowering the Federal Reserve's aggressive approach to inflation, deregulation of major industries and his push for cost saving energy measures that we still feel to this day.For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Fact-checking by [Sierra Juarez] (https://www.npr.org/people/g-s1-26724/sierra-juarez#:~:text=for%20Planet%20Money-,Sierra%20Juarez%20is%20a%20researcher%20and%20fact%20checker%20at%20the,and%20fact%20checking%20in%20Mexico.) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) .Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

03 Jan 2025

09 MINS

09:13

03 Jan 2025

#296

Why to look twice when your portfolio is doing well

People with American stocks in their portfolio are likely very happy right now. U.S. stocks were on a tear in 2024. But to some investors, that's a reason to look a longer look at their portfolio. Today on the show, one investor makes the case for the only free lunch in finance: diversification. Related episodes:Invest like a Congress member ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000680896233) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4FqZaTiIkrQQvQHvNXNKV7?si=c8345657e59a457a) ) Rethinking what counts in investing ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?i=1000593326896) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Zg6j0DAAewEiYvIADlan7?si=108caf2bf75045d6) ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

02 Jan 2025

08 MINS

08:25

02 Jan 2025

#295

The curious rise of novelty popcorn buckets (Encore)

Even before the Dune: Part 2 popcorn bucket went viral this year, movie theaters have been trying all types of ways to lure customers back. There's reclining seats, expanded menu options, and even more merchandise. Today on the show, we track the rise of the popcorn bucket and its afterlife on eBay. This piece originally aired on July 23, 2024.Related episodes: Coyote vs. Warner Brothers Discovery ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000639152705) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/0yMzSMvj5DyS0SGiJ3k7XH?si=yyYyDLa4RgWGc3Qtzdu2kQ) ) ​​Why platforms like HBO Max are removing streaming TV shows ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dude-wheres-my-streaming-tv-show/id290783428?i=1000603668063) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/24rudfoiEdyfOW8icBSsOc?si=HUnAZjwlQzmqbgkhCoVqxA) ) [Is movie night back?] (https://www.npr.org/2021/06/14/1006362151/is-movie-night-back) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) .Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

31 Dec 2024

10 MINS

10:00

31 Dec 2024

#294

Invest like a Congress member (Encore)

There are some new funds that track stock trading by members of Congress and their family. So we thought, why don't we get in on that? Today on the show, we crack open the Planet Money Investment Jar to learn more about how our political leaders play the market, investing in [funds] (https://www.subversiveetfs.com/#etf) tracking Democratic and Republican stock trades. Whether Congressional stock trading should be limited is a hotly debated matter. So to test whether lawmakers are beating the market, Dartmouth College economist Bruce Sacerdote and his co-authors pitted lawmakers' [stock picks] (https://www.nber.org/papers/w26975) against [reindeer] (https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3751711) at a Christmas-styled theme park. Trust us for this ride! It'll all make sense with some intriguing results. This piece originally aired June 18, 2024. Related listening: [Stock traders are trying to beat the market — by copying lawmakers] (https://www.npr.org/2024/06/06/nx-s1-4974720/congress-stock-trades-profits) WTF is a Bitcoin ETF?( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000640587489) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iKQOoVetJccIRDKeRNVDi?si=nrA2TvKyRBepc7GneTqpTA) ) [Planet Money's Toxic Asset ] (https://www.npr.org/series/124587240/planet-money-s-toxic-asset) [Planet Money Summer School: Investing] (https://www.npr.org/series/1190516050/planet-money-summer-school-investing) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

30 Dec 2024

09 MINS

09:24

30 Dec 2024

#293

Half a billion people need reading glasses. Why can't they get them? (Encore)

If you need some reading glasses in the United States, you don't have to break the bank to pick some up. That's important for older folks who need a little extra magnification. But in some parts of the world, people who need readers don't have that privilege. Today on the show, we'll find out why that is and learn the economic solution to the reading glasses shortage.This piece originally aired October 9, 2024. Related episodes:Two indicators: supply chain solutions ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?i=1000549102142) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4D7aQWJLaAFkc1BqDpSFwc?si=09dc83cf43584ee3) ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

27 Dec 2024

09 MINS

09:29

27 Dec 2024

#292

How video games become more accessible (Encore)

Gaming provides entertainment and community for billions of people worldwide. However, video games haven't always been accessible to those with disabilities. But this is changing. Today we explain how accessibility has become an increasingly important priority for game developers and how advocates pushed them to this point. This piece originally aired April 23, 2024. Related episodes: Forever games: the economics of the live service model ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forever-games-the-economics-of-the-live-service-model/id1320118593?i=1000653230081) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gE5nqoECdS8MSFwhYQXV0?si=ee2e1c0d1e8b4586) ) [The Indicator's video game series] (https://www.npr.org/series/1245863272/gaming-industry) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) .Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

26 Dec 2024

09 MINS

09:04

26 Dec 2024

#291

How TV holiday rom-coms got so successful (Encore)

Happy Holidays from The Indicator! For the next week, we're running some of our favorite shows from this year. On today's show, we fire up the gas logs and pour a mug of cocoa to discuss the made-for-TV rom-com machine, and how television executives learned to mass produce seasonal romance. This piece originally aired October 21, 2024. Related episodes: [Love Week series page] (https://www.npr.org/series/1260828787/love-week) [TV holiday rom coms and the alpaca bubble that burst] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tv-holiday-rom-coms-and-the-alpaca-bubble-that/id290783428?i=1000680624128) (PM+ only)Special thanks to [Grant-Lee Phillips] (https://www.grantleephillips.com/) for our Love Week theme song and [Kaitlin Brito] (https://www.kaitlinbrito.com/) for episode artwork. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Fact-checking by [Sierra Juarez] (https://www.npr.org/people/g-s1-26724/sierra-juarez#:~:text=for%20Planet%20Money-,Sierra%20Juarez%20is%20a%20researcher%20and%20fact%20checker%20at%20the,and%20fact%20checking%20in%20Mexico.) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

24 Dec 2024

10 MINS

10:00

24 Dec 2024

#290

What indicators will 2025 bring?

2024 is over (phew!). We had weird consumer sentiment vibes, Bitcoin went to the moon, and the economy might have achieved a soft landing. And that's just a few 2024 indicators!As we enter 2025, what indicators should we keep an eye on? Planet Money co-hosts Kenny Malone and Jeff Guo look ahead with Adrian Ma for Indicators of the Year ... Ahead! Related Episodes: [Econ Battle Zone: Disinflation Confrontation] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/econ-battle-zone-disinflation-confrontation/id290783428?i=1000642284556) [The Fed cut rates ... now what? (featuring: Sasquatch)] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fed-cut-rates-now-what-featuring-sasquatch/id1320118593?i=1000670211623) [The Indicators of this year and next (2023)] (https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2023/12/27/1197956295/economic-indicator-family-feud-2023-and-2024) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

23 Dec 2024

10 MINS

10:19

23 Dec 2024

#289

Help us pick the indicator of the year!

2024 was a wild year for the U.S. economy: The economy did well in terms of inflation and unemployment, but vibes ruled the roost. (Mostly didn't feel great!) Additionally, Bitcoin went to the moon and some wacky stuff was happening with unemployment and job opening rates, showing that we might have achieved an economic soft landing.So ... which of these economic stories defined the year? Our hosts from Planet Money and The Indicator duke it out in ... Family Feud!Tell us who you think won today's episode by submitting your vote to [Planet Money's Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney) or [email us] (mailto:indicator@npr.org) with "Family Feud" in the subject line. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Related Episodes: [Is the financial media making us miserable about the economy?] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-the-financial-media-making-us-miserable-about/id1320118593?i=1000648830096) [What's behind Bitcoin's bullrun?] (https://www.npr.org/2024/03/12/1197962958/whats-behind-bitcoins-bullrun) [What the Beveridge curve tells us about jobs] (https://www.npr.org/2022/05/06/1097295182/what-the-beveridge-curve-tells-us-about-jobs) Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

20 Dec 2024

09 MINS

09:25

20 Dec 2024

#288

Can empty-nesters boost housing affordability?

The "silver tsunami" of aging Americans is often seen as a potential way to alleviate the country's housing affordability woes. However, the data suggests that an influx of empty-nester homes coming on the market won't have much of an impact on the problem—because of a geographical mismatch. Today on the show, we speak to an economist who's looked into the silver tsunami's impact on the housing market and thinks this theory might be more of a red herring.This episode was fact checked by [Sierra Juarez ] (https://www.npr.org/people/g-s1-26724/sierra-juarez) Related episodes: [The graying of America] (https://www.npr.org/2022/05/10/1097997546/the-graying-of-america) [What would it take to fix retirement?] (https://www.npr.org/2024/03/06/1197962836/the-indicator-from-planet-money-retirement-social-security-pension-03-06-2024) [How big is the US housing shortage?] (https://www.npr.org/2024/11/25/1215189230/how-trump-tariffs-imports) [The highs and lows of US rents] (https://www.npr.org/2024/11/25/1215189230/how-trump-tariffs-imports) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

19 Dec 2024

09 MINS

09:04

19 Dec 2024

#287

Trump's contradictory trade policies

President-elect Donald Trump has called for a weaker dollar given it would be good for American exporters. But tariffs, a staple of his economic policy, would actually strengthen the dollar. Today on the show, we explain tariffs and currencies by following one bag manufacturer from New Jersey.Related episodes: How Trump's tariffs plan might work ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000678330974) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/37o71HoqeI7uxi9bB3inYm?si=85cbabe5af4e48d8) ) Worst. Tariffs. Ever. (update) ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?i=1000679949437) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4t1IjtnrdOBAkifFEq0kbW?si=93719b3cb3dc4d72) ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

18 Dec 2024

08 MINS

08:18

18 Dec 2024

#286

Do job references matter?

In the not-so-distant past, serving as someone's job reference meant answering a few questions over the phone. Nowadays, that process is often more involved, with prospective employers asking references for written responses or to fill out a form online. What's behind this shift? On today's show, we check in on reference checks, and ask whether they still matter. Related episodes: Ghost jobs ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000658214414) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/0F0sA9Y3yubpyRJqEMvz8F?si=1Tt5SouVS_mDzaqfPn0V4Q) ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

17 Dec 2024

09 MINS

09:24

17 Dec 2024

#285

There are a lot of billionaires in Trump's coming administration

President-elect Donald Trump's administration picks are shaping up to be a very affluent bunch. If all are confirmed, Trump's incoming administration would be the wealthiest in the nation's history with a combined net worth upwards of $300 billion.Today on the show, we talk to a few experts about how massive amounts of wealth in high levels of government can impact policy. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) .Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

16 Dec 2024

08 MINS

08:41

16 Dec 2024

#284

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. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

14 Dec 2024

17 MINS

17:11

14 Dec 2024

#283

A supermarket beef, a quantum leap, and Christmas trees for cheap

It's the most wonderful time of year, er, week, because it's that time when we look at the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's Indicators of the Week: A messy grocery store breakup, a quantum leap in subatomic computing and an unexpected change to the Christmas tree market. Happy holidays! Related Episodes: [The Efficient Christmas: Why Economists Hate Gifts] (https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1064865987) [We buy a lot of Christmas trees] (https://www.npr.org/2023/12/22/1197956186/christmas-tree-market) [Can an old law bring down grocery prices?] (https://www.npr.org/2024/03/29/1197963467/can-an-old-law-bring-down-grocery-prices) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

13 Dec 2024

10 MINS

10:00

13 Dec 2024

#282

An economist's role in the fall of Syria's government

In 2012, Karam Shaar had to leave his home country of Syria due to the civil war. But he still wanted to make a difference. Through his [economic analysis] (https://www.karamshaar.com/) , he uncovered concerning patterns about how the Assad regime and its cronies were siphoning money from humanitarian aid. Today on the show, the story of how one Syrian exile contributed to the resistance while on the other side of the world. Related episodes: The cost of a dollar in Ukraine ( [Apple] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000606662182) / [Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/episode/2bfBG0MJqtS7Ttx0GA161h?si=e5309edbccd0464e) ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) .Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

12 Dec 2024

09 MINS

09:20

12 Dec 2024

#281

The brewing recovery in Western North Carolina

The Federal Reserve's last [Beige Book] (https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/beigebook202411-summary.htm) of 2024 is like Spotify Wrapped but for the economy. There's a little bit of everything inside — labor markets, inflation and even natural disasters. On today's show, we spotlight Western North Carolina's challenging recovery after Hurricane Helene, and check in with an Asheville malt manufacturer on the impact to local businesses. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at [plus.npr.org] (http://plus.npr.org/) . Music by [Drop Electric] (https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/) . Find us: [TikTok] (https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney) , [Instagram] (https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/) , [Facebook] (https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney) , [Newsletter] (https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money) . Learn more about sponsor message choices: [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) [NPR Privacy Policy] (https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy) ... Read more

11 Dec 2024

08 MINS

08:40

11 Dec 2024