Indicators of the Week is back! This week, we've got indicators about oil gluts, big bucks for Ukraine and fewer bucks at Starbucks. (Apologies for the slurping.) RELATED EPISODES: How to get Russia to pay Ukraine https://www.npr.org/2024/03/07/1197962873/how-to-get-russia-to-pay-ukraine An oil boom, a property slump and dental deflation https://www.npr.org/2024/02/23/1197962207/oil-boom-a-property-slump-dental-deflation https://shopnpr.org/ http://plus.npr.org https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

Jun 14

There are many anecdotal complaints about Google search not being what it used to be. A German computer scientist and his colleagues put this theory to the test http://seroundtable.s3.amazonaws.com/bevendorff_2024a.pdf recently focusing on product reviews. Today on the show, we bring their findings to Google's chief search scientist. Related episodes: How Fortnite brought Google to its knees (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000656437271 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6SPGRULWuRIkUh7sf7tTaU?si=9fpMDNXsRK25wUh0-RIs9g) Microsoft vs. Google: Whose AI Is better? https://www.npr.org/2023/02/15/1157248899/microsoft-vs-google-whose-ai-is-better (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000599845976 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0E0YP9mDklnaK9tPb3hxVN?si=RUcgBnSNQQCzH8koOv1z5Q) http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

Jun 13

The Federal Reserve introduced a visual tool called the "dot plot" in 2012 to communicate where officials think interest rates should be in the coming years. The dot plot is eagerly dissected by Fed watchers looking for insight on future policy, but others think that the dot plot has become a visual example of just how little the Fed can predict where the economy is going. Today on the show, we decode the dot plot and hear why some think that the Federal Reserve's artistic exercise should be scrapped altogether. https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/files/fomcprojtabl20240612.pdf http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

Jun 12

Politicians on both sides of the aisle call the surge at the US Southern Border a "border crisis." One camp says we need to focus on addressing the conditions in other countries that cause people to leave. The other says we have to focus on deterrence and enforcement. But...what if both camps are actually ignoring a major piece of the picture? Today on the show, an overlooked cause and potential solution to the situation at our southern border that has nothing to do with the border at all. Related episodes: Why Venezuela is no longer in freefall https://www.npr.org/2024/05/08/1197964529/venezuela-elections-economy-maduro Welcome to the USA! Now get to work. https://www.npr.org/2023/09/07/1198338411/welcome-to-the-usa-now-get-to-work https://shopnpr.org/indicator http://plus.npr.org https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

Jun 11

We are back to answer your questions that you, our listener's, have been sending. On today's show, is chicken actually getting cheaper? Why doesn't the Federal Reserve use different interest rates around the country? And: is election spending an indicator of economic health? If you have a question you'd like us to answer, email us at indicator@npr.org. Related episodes: Can an old law bring down grocery prices? (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000651358256 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6iRMpyZmBqgCZCVaKQ8m9f?si=2e4d1709f75f4a60&nd=1&dlsi=89ca7f1eef014b2d) How political campaigns raise millions through unwitting donors https://www.npr.org/2023/11/21/1197958421/dark-defaults-political-campaigns-donors How mortgage rates get made https://www.npr.org/2022/03/16/1087086300/how-mortgage-rates-get-made The rat under the Feds hat (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000628621669 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/2L4FrvKaCnNqJIuxLqmawL?si=4923ae6012ca4de8) The interest-ing world of interest rates (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000650167084 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HUuVP5Y6uI0YDKsFdrDC1?si=5585276748db4f0b) http://shopnpr.org/indicator https://plus.npr.org/planetmoney https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

8m

Jun 10

Today's jobs report shows a slight rise in unemployment to 4%. And some frustrated job seekers are growing tired of applying for job after job with no replies, sometimes asking whether the listings are even real. And this isn't just vexing for applicants. It's also haunting economists when trying to figure out how much slack there is in the labor market, and whether interest rates should be raised or lowered. Today on the show: the rise of ghost jobs. Where they're happening and why. Related episodes: Not too hot, not too cold: a 'Goldilocks' jobs report https://www.npr.org/2024/05/03/1197964423/jobs-friday-may-economy-healthcare-wage-growth The Beigie Awards: From Ghosting to Coasting https://www.npr.org/2021/09/13/1036737159/the-beigie-awards-from-coasting-to-ghosting 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

9m

Jun 07

99.5 percent of megaprojects are either over time, over budget or have lower benefits than expected. What's going wrong? Today, we look at case studies from California's high speed rail project to the Sydney Opera House to consider the do's and don'ts of ambitious projects. Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner's book on megaprojects is . https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/672118/how-big-things-get-done-by-bent-flyvbjerg-and-dan-gardner/ Related episodes: Why building public transit in the US costs so much (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000618417747 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jqKX16otHIPZgUYWxtYub?si=db1463d4481440ad) Planes, trains and bad bridges (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/planes-trains-and-bad-bridges/id290783428?i=1000541404746 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/68WtSjYRScc0GlxG83RBwU?si=7cb6233d54694b26) http://shopnpr.org/indicator https://plus.npr.org/planetmoney https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

Jun 06

The United States has been a supporter of Israel since the nation's establishment in 1948. With the civilian death toll rising in the Israel-Hamas war, growing scrutiny is mounting over just how much the U.S. should support Israel's military. Today, a historical explanation for why the United States tied itself so closely to support for Israel. Related episodes: Protesters want schools to divest from Israel. How would that work? (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protesters-want-schools-to-divest-from-israel-how-would/id1320118593?i=1000654368601 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5RDjaigSiHSGHoEvYZA1ZC?si=8e0b7af47a314d78) http://shopnpr.org/indicator https://plus.npr.org/planetmoney https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

8m

Jun 05

Maybe you've heard these things on social media, in the news, and take them as fact: More than half of the adults in the US live paycheck to paycheck, the trade deficit is always bad, and making the super wealthy pay their fair share will fix . Well, the truth isn't so simple. Today on the show: economic mythbusting. We take three factoids about the American economy and run them through the fact checkers. 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

9m

Jun 04

MERCH! You asked for it. We got it. After rebranding our podcast earlier this year, we decided it was time to create our own merch. On today's show, a brief oral history of early merch, how to score an Indicator t-shirt, and the winning name of our new mascot. • Preorder the t-shirt now at SHOPNPR.ORG/INDICATOR http://shopnpr.org/indicator • Sign up for PLANET MONEY+ https://plus.npr.org/planetmoney to access more Indicator merch Related episodes: Name our mascot. No, really https://www.npr.org/2024/03/25/1197963291/the-indicator-planet-money-rebranding-new-mascot-indigator#:~:text=Email%20your%20suggestion%20to%20indicator,gator%22%20in%20the%20subject%20line.&text=For%20sponsor%2Dfree%20episodes%20of,Music%20by%20Drop%20Electric. (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000650416891 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/46K9YzBwygl2SkI17vjT6v?si=D5Z0KtQcS7mk-LiMnSxrlg) Planet Money Makes a T-shirt https://apps.npr.org/tshirt/#/title 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

9m

Jun 03

Indicators of the Week is back, where we dig into three economic snapshots from the global economy. This week, we are exploring consumers' ever so slightly improved perception of the economy, what's going on with carbon offsets, and why China is sending some pandas to U.S. zoos. RELATED EPISODES: Actors back. Pandas gone. WeBankrupt. (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000634431272 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4g0fgZ4ygY35sbzexOHwTX?si=31bae3c901a24de7) How Red Lobster got cooked and other indicators (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000656683647 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vI5VpmHmu0DwAJvyq11pX?si=ff0ae4a8def94571) Emission Impossible (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/my/podcast/emission-impossible/id290783428?i=1000520721785 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/3uyUG2HdVQC6QBBVk6YjCF?si=e6a284a9f0094e6a) http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 31

It's time for The Indicator Quiz! We test you, dear listener, on your knowledge of topics that we've covered on The Indicator! Today's quiz focuses on ch-ch-changes. (That's a David Bowie reference, kids!) We're covering changes in the economy, the environment, the rental market, you get the picture. We're even tossing in a question about an AI-resurrected rapper. Play along with us and see how you do! 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

9m

May 30

Eight times a year, we award regional Federal Reserve Banks with our coveted Beigie Award. While the anecdotes within the Beige Book offer us fascinating looks into the economy, to others, it can be difficult to make anything of the stories they tell. That's why we're giving out a special Beigie award today to some economists who found a way to use anecdotes to peer into our economic future. http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 29

Dental therapists have been practicing in other parts of the world for decades, but in the U.S. they are relatively few and far between. Like a hygienist, dental therapists can do cleanings as well as some procedures usually reserved for dentists, like simple extractions. They could also be the solution to getting underserved, rural communities better oral care. Today on the show, new momentum for dental therapy and why the American Dental Association is pushing back. Related episodes: The value of good teeth https://www.npr.org/2023/03/08/1161994484/marketplace-broken-teeth-economic-effect http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 28

Indicators of the Week is back! On today's episode, we discuss Red Lobster's bankruptcy, the rancid vibes of the U.S. economy, and a surprising shift in vices among Americans. 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

9m

May 24

Last week, President Biden placed tariffs on a slew of Chinese goods. When Donald Trump was president, he did the same. Regardless of who wins the election, the US is gearing up for heavy tariffs on imports in 2024. But this is far from the first time the economic tool has been in style. Today, a brief history of US tariffs: how they came into fashion, fell out of fashion, are now back again and why economists aren't too happy about it. RELATED EPISODES: Trade wars and talent shortages (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000655953225 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1j0vFHHa8lOtLkphCRU0IO?si=23702f6945134b01) The surprising leader in EVs (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000642029169 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6GCBeTRZBR8gMgFUojsom3?si=0d47b0532a9e4906) A brief history of tariffs https://www.npr.org/2018/03/20/595334968/a-brief-history-of-tariffs Worst. Tariffs. Ever. https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2018/03/30/598365735/episode-833-worst-tariffs-ever http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 23

In August 2020, Epic Games launched a legal assault against both Google and Apple, alleging that their mobile app stores are illegal monopolies. Almost four years later, Epic could be close to forcing Google to make major changes to its Play Store. Today, we explain the legal battle behind Epic v. Google and why the outcome could have major implications for where consumers get their apps and how they pay for them. http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

8m

May 22

With a few clicks of AI software, anyone can conjure the voice or visual likeness of a dead celebrity — or really anyone. This new world has opened up a bunch of new legal questions about the rights of people and their heirs to control digital replicas of themselves. Today on the show, how a Drake diss track featuring the voice of Tupac made it into the Congressional record, and how it may lead to more regulation of AI. To read more of Greg Rosalsky's reporting, subscribe to Planet Money's newsletter https://www.npr.org/newsletter/money. Related episodes: AI creates, transforms and destroys ... jobs (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000637979392 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iqiLi5tstrxTHcy0v20CQ?si=9qS7Cd1wSnWr1z1gSjQdhg) Are the Products in your shopping cart real? (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000638357666 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/46K9YzBwygl2SkI17vjT6v?si=D5Z0KtQcS7mk-LiMnSxrlg) Planet Money makes an episode using AI https://www.npr.org/series/1178395718/planet-money-makes-an-episode-using-ai http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 21

Homes are not just where we eat and sleep, but one of the primary ways people build generational wealth in the U.S. But with home shortages and harsh climates, rural America's path to building that wealth looks a little different than other parts of the country. Today on the show, we focus in on housing challenges in Alabama's Black Belt and one innovative solution to preserving generational wealth. Related: There is growing segregation in millennial wealth https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2021/04/27/990770599/there-is-growing-segregation-in-millennial-wealth http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 20

Indicators of the Week is back. This time, an in-depth look at what Biden's massive tariffs on Chinese imports might mean for inflation and jobs. After that, why it may soon become easier to become a certified public accountant, addressing that nagging CPA shortage. Related Episodes: If the world had no accountants (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000575057194 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0NRJfQP479IO1saCJczDvw?si=39e82f9ba24347a9) The surprising leader in EVs (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000642029169 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6GCBeTRZBR8gMgFUojsom3?si=0d47b0532a9e4906) How electric vehicles got their juice (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000586179062 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/30fLRFUwBufSjMgRmvgQTY?si=4171ddba0df34f22) http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 17

For decades, the Dominican Republic's economy has been growing at a remarkably steady pace. The Caribbean nation of 11 million people is today considered a middle-income nation, but the International Monetary Fund projects it could become an advanced economy within the next 40 years. Today on the show, we uncover the reasons behind the Dominican Republic's economic success and whether or not these benefits are being felt widely in the country. http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

8m

May 16

The latest inflation numbers are in. This month's Consumer Price Index, or the CPI, is ... well, good and bad news for renters. Shelter prices went up over the last year, but at a slower pace. Shelter makes up nearly a third of the CPI. Today's episode: Rent. Where is it high? Where is it low? What exactly is "coffee milk"? tours the U.S. to bring you the answers. 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

9m

May 15

When June Carbone, Naomi Cahn and Nancy Levit set out to write a book about women in the workforce, they initially thought it would be a story all about women's march towards workplace equality. But when they looked at the data, they found something more disturbing: of the ways in which women's push toward workplace equality has actually been stalled for years. In today's episode, law professor June Carbone argues that the root of the problem lies in something they call the "winner take all" approach to business. That's the thesis of their new book, "Fair Shake: Women & the Fight to Build a Just Economy https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Fair-Shake/Naomi-Cahn/9781982115128". Related episodes: What would it take to fix retirement? (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-would-it-take-to-fix-retirement/id1320118593?i=1000648264191 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vWSva9qfOy3zQpqFCZ5d5?si=8097f98515354814) http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 14

Advancements in cryptocurrency networks are sparking conversations about the potential for Central Bank Digital Currencies, or CBDCs for short. Advocates for CBDCs think they would provide security and unlock more efficient fiscal policy actions. However, opponents believe they would provide a shortcut for government interference and the erosion of privacy. Today on the show, we'll dive deep into the world of CBDCs and pose the question if countries actually need them at all. http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 13

Indicators of the Week is back! This time, we dig into why gold prices are spiking, why the Biden administration has only spent a small portion of money pledged to infrastructure projects, and what the spurt of streaming consolidations means for you. Related episodes: Gold Rush 2.0 https://www.npr.org/2019/07/18/743261869/gold-rush-2-0 The semiconductor shortage (still) (Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/the-semiconductor-shortage-still/id1320118593?i=1000574701551 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uaDmnZ5Kh2YxPWzHkjtmK?si=22f5b14e0daf421f) The secret entrance that sidesteps Hollywood picket lines (Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-secret-entrance-that-sidesteps-hollywood-picket-lines/id290783428?i=1000625723761 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/0f2tMHswdgN5GYE1hHrfw8?si=9c1c560021444814) http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 10

According to a government report released this week, Congress has until 2033 to fix Social Security before retirees receive an automatic benefit cut of about 21%. This is a more optimistic estimate from a previous report that stated the Social Security Trust Fund would run dry sooner, but it still paints a grim picture for a program that millions of retirees rely on. Today, NPR's Chief Economics Correspondent joins the show to explain what exactly lawmakers can do to fix Social Security and why proposed solutions might be easier said than done. Related episodes: What would it take to fix retirement? (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-would-it-take-to-fix-retirement/id1320118593?i=1000648264191 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vWSva9qfOy3zQpqFCZ5d5?si=8097f98515354814) http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 09

Back in 2019, started checking in on with a Venezuelan economist Gabriela Saade. The economy was in freefall. The country was suffering from hyperinflation and a huge jump in poverty. Today, the U.S. faces a spike in migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, many from Venezuela. So we check back in with Gabriela. Venezuela is due to go to the polls in July. We ask Gabriela and two other Venezuelans: what are economic conditions like at the moment? How has life changed since the pandemic? Some of the answers surprised us. 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

8m

May 09

What happens when small town politics collide with the climate crisis? And how do hazard maps—maps that show which homes in your neighborhood are at risk of getting destroyed or damaged by a natural disaster—come into play? On today's episode, how some people—from Indiana to Oregon to Alaska—are facing some very real concerns about insurance and the ability to sell their houses. 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

8m

May 07

In Western Colorado, towns and farms are banding together to pay a hundred million dollars for water they don't intend to use. Today on the show, how scarcity, climate change and a first-dibs system of water management is forcing towns, farms and rural residents to get spendy. Related episodes: A watershed moment in the West? https://www.npr.org/2023/06/21/1183606778/a-watershed-moment-in-the-west (Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-indicator-from-planet-money/id1320118593?i=1000617903283 / Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/5g0CYL3IL1nRIPV4tiMwTG?si=qQQIZHgzR2WE6VuA1NkOhQ) The Amazon, the Colorado River and a price on nature https://www.npr.org/2022/08/18/1118291012/the-amazon-the-colorado-river-and-a-price-on-nature Water in the West: Bankrupt? https://www.npr.org/2021/08/30/1032609785/water-in-the-west-bankrupt http://plus.npr.org/ https://dropelectric.bandcamp.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@planetmoney, https://www.instagram.com/planetmoney/, https://www.facebook.com/planetmoney, 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

9m

May 06

It's Jobs Friday and the jobs report is in! There's more jobs! ... but not as many as expected. And there's a teensy bit more unemployment and slower wage growth. But there's an upside ... Plus, healthcare is growing like gangbusters and how immigrants affect American-born workers. 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

9m

May 03