Europe wants clean energy, but it's struggling to compete with the low cost of China's green technology. The E.U. just announced it's investigating the subsidies received by Chinese wind turbine suppliers, which play a part in those low costs. On today's episode, we speak with Margrethe Vestager, the European Commissioner for Competition, about how the E.U. is trying to build and maintain a competitive green tech industry in the face of low-price Chinese imports. And we ask how the U.S.'s climat...
Apr 10, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast You've heard of the British royal family, but what about the "working royals?" Today on the show, an expert on the royals explains what the job is like — how they measure productivity, how they get paid, and how this tiny, specialized workforce of 11 people might cope with the health crises of King Charles III and Kate Middleton. Subscribe to journalist Elizabeth Holmes' newsletter on the British royal family . Related episodes: The U.K.'s most famous family firm in crisis For sponsor-free episo...
Apr 09, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast General Electric has been staggering along for years as a conglomerate. But recently, it's turned to a popular strategy to unlock new value: spinning off. Just last week, GE spun off its clean energy business into a new company: GE Vernova. On today's show, we explore what a spin off is and why companies do them. Related Episodes: What happened to GE? For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org . Music by Drop Ele...
Apr 08, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The U.S. labor market continues its hot streak, adding 303,000 jobs last month — more than expected. Many of these jobs will require a four-year degree despite a push among some employers to eliminate these requirements. On today's show, we look at the state of the job market for people without a four-year college degree. Related episodes: The lopsided market for higher ed Enough with bachelor's degrees The cost of student debt Failing college For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Plan...
Apr 05, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast "Shadow fleet" refers to the collective of ships used by countries that have sanctions against them, like Russia, to transport commodities around the world. These ships pose threats to global and environmental security because they skirt international maritime law. So what can be done about them? Today on the show, we explain what exactly makes the shadow fleet so dangerous and why there are surprisingly limited options for how to deal with these problem ships. For sponsor-free episodes of The I...
Apr 04, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Since 2020, grocery prices have shot up. If you're looking to save a buck, it's often more affordable to shop for groceries at a big retailer like Walmart. But some smaller grocers say those low prices are the result of an unfair playing field—and they're looking to a little-used antitrust law from the 1930s as a solution. Today, we consider the Robinson-Patman Act and whether reviving it could bring consumers some relief. Related episodes: Grocery delivery wars ( Apple / Spotify ) Feeling infla...
Apr 03, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The sun is shining, birds are singing, and...our allergies are going NUTS. That can only mean one thing: It's time for The Indicator Quiz! The show where we bring a lucky listener on to test their econ knowledge. Today's quiz focuses on questions related to labor. Play along with us and see how you do! Are you interested in being a contestant on our next Indicator Quiz? Email us your name and phone number at indicator@npr.org and put "Indicator Quiz" in the subject line. Learn more about sponsor...
Apr 02, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Does breaking the law ... make financial sense? Paying future fines and settlements at the risk of harm to people and the environment? Some legal scholars argue that's just the cost of doing business.Today, we ask whether a company's duty is to the law ... or to its shareholders. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Apr 01, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Many broad economic indicators are positive, but consumer sentiment is negative. Even with cooling inflation and low unemployment, consumers are still feeling the economic strain. In today's episode, we look at three ways the US consumer is feeling the pinch. Related episodes: Dollar stores vs. lettuce Factory boom, credit card debt defaults and housing ( Apple / Spotify ) Are we counting jobs right? We answer your listener questions ( Apple Podcasts / Spotify ) For sponsor-free episodes of The ...
Mar 28, 2024•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast March Madness is in full swing as Men's and Women's college basketball teams across the country compete for the NCAA championship. However, the Dartmouth Men's Basketball team made headlines just before the tournament for its successful unionization vote. Today, we break down why the Dartmouth men are pushing to unionize and what a college athletics union could mean for the future of college sports. Related episodes: The monetization of college sports ( Apple / Spotify ) For sponsor-free episode...
Mar 27, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Boeing's CEO Dave Calhoun has resigned and will step down at the end of the year. It comes after a series of mishaps with the aviation company including a door plug blowing off a 737 MAX 9 mid-flight. In today's episode, we turn to a head-hunter to explore what Boeing might look for in a new CEO. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org . Music by Drop Electric . Find us: TikTok , Instagram , Facebook , Newslet...
Mar 26, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast You might notice we're looking a little refreshed thanks to our new podcast logo. Today on the show, we ask some marketing experts what goes into building a strong brand, and whether our own makeover hits the mark. Listeners, help us name our new Indi-Gator mascot! Email your suggestion to indicator@npr.org with "Indi-gator" in the subject line. Related episodes: How to make an ad memorable ( Apple / Spotify ) BRAND new friends For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscr...
Mar 25, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Countries all over the world are making big moves in monetary policies. From unexpected cuts to long-awaited hikes to a cautious cling to the status quo, this edition of Indicators of the Week has it all. Today, we explain the motivations for these drastically different approaches. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org . Music by Drop Electric . Find us: TikTok , Instagram , Facebook , Newsletter . Learn mor...
Mar 22, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Snowmaking has helped cover up the effects of climate change for a long time. But by the turn of the century, that started to change. A recent report shows US resorts are opening later, closing earlier, and taking a financial hit. For an industry that relies on snow, the threat is existential. Can ski resorts survive? Related Episodes: Ski resorts are welcoming winter storms The Backcountry Boom For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Po...
Mar 21, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The number of teenagers in the workforce today is at its highest level in about 20 years. At the same time, child labor violations are up and states are relaxing some protections for their youngest workers. On today's show, we examine the state of the Gen Z labor force, and the distinction between youth employment and child labor. Related episodes: Young, 'spoiled and miserable' in China ( Apple / Spotify ) Teenage (Employment) Wasteland For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Mon...
Mar 20, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The political pressure on TikTok continues to ratchet up. This week Biden administration officials are throwing their support behind legislation that would essentially give an ultimatum to TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance. Sell TikTok to another owner not controlled by a "foreign adversary" or be banned from US app stores. It's a big step towards an outcome that some high-ranking U.S. officials have desired for years. But why is there so much concern about TikTok, and just how likely is...
Mar 19, 2024•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast The majority of European members of NATO are not spending as much on defense as they agreed to. But that may change as the European Union considers a move to a "war economy." Today, we examine what that means and what barriers to a "war economy" look like. Related episodes: The Military Industry ... It's Complex Are we overpaying for military equipment? ( Apple Podcasts / Spotify ) Can Just-In-Time handle a new era of war? ( Apple Podcasts / Spotify ) How to transform a war economy for peacetime...
Mar 18, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's Indicators of the Week, our up close and personal examination of economic headlines. Today we have three indicators from President Joe Biden's economic agenda. His budget proposals include fixes for childcare, home buying and hiking corporate taxes. Related episodes: Shopping for parental benefits around the world ( Apple / Spotify ) When mortgages are too low to give up ( Apple / Spotify ) Paying for the Inflation Reduction Act 'Dune: Part Two' is a grand spice opera For sponsor-free episo...
Mar 15, 2024•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast HOOAH! It's our first Beigie Award for 2024! The Beigie Award is back to recognize the regional Federal Reserve Bank with the best Beige Book entry. This edition's winner took us to the City of Brotherly Love, detailing how high home interest rates and low existing home sales in the area are financially affecting our buff brethren in arms: movers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Mar 14, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Cyberattacks are plaguing the healthcare industry. It's an expensive and dangerous trend that's on the rise. Today, we consider why hacking is surging right now, why healthcare companies are being targeted and what hackers want from them. Related episodes: Cracking the code on cyber insurance One hack to fool them all ( Apple Podcasts / Spotify ) How to launder $600 million on the internet ( Apple Podcasts / Spotify ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Pla...
Mar 13, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The introduction of brand new spot bitcoin ETFs has put bitcoin on a bit of a hot streak. Just this week, the price of bitcoin reached a record high of about $72,000 which is about 70% higher than it was a couple of months ago. So why exactly have these ETFs changed the perception around bitcoin so quickly? Today on the show, we talk with a Bitcoin believer and a skeptic to understand what exactly all the fuss is about for these bitcoin ETFs. Related episodes: WTF is a bitcoin ETF? ( Apple / Spo...
Mar 12, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast There's been a disconnect between how the US economy is doing and how people actually feel about it. Maybe people are still burnt from when inflation was high, maybe it's the expensive cost of borrowing for a car or a mortgage, or maybe it's ... wait, are WE the problem?! Today we look in the mirror and find out if financial media contributes to negative economic sentiment. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Mar 11, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The job that's projected to be the fastest-growing in the U.S. is wind turbine service technician. So we wanted to learn what they actually do. Today on the show, reporter Darian Woods travels to a windy corner of Maine for a day in the life of one of these green-collar jobs. Related episodes: Why offshore wind is facing headwinds ( Apple / Spotify ) A Man, a plan, wind power, Uruguay ( Apple / Spotify ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via...
Mar 08, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ukraine desperately needs money. And there's a tempting solution sitting in a Belgian financial institution: nearly $200 billion in frozen Russian assets. In today's episode, we learn about this unique depository where most of the Russian assets are stored and two proposals to get some of this money to Ukraine. Related episodes: The cost of a dollar in Ukraine ( Apple / Spotify ) Russia's sanctions, graded ( Apple ) Why Israel uses diaspora bonds ( Apple / Spotify ) Economic warfare vs. Fortress...
Mar 07, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The rising cost of living and longer life expectancy is making it harder for Americans to retire comfortably. Millions of Americans are behind on saving for retirement and face the possibility of working in their old age. Economist Teresa Ghilarducci says she has a plan that could fix retirement in America. In her book, " Work, Retire, Repeat: The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy ," she proposes a few policies that she believes can help Americans currently struggling to retire. Today...
Mar 06, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Securities and Exchange Commission is expected to issue new rules this week on how companies disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. This is part of a broader movement for more environmentally and socially conscious financial options, known as ESG investing. Today on the show, what the proposed climate disclosure rule says, why it's so controversial, and if it passes, what that'll mean for investors and the stock market. Related episodes: The OG of ESGs ( Apple / Spotify ) For sponsor-free ...
Mar 05, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast One estimate says 2.4 million people die in the U.S. each year, and burying them is expensive: a typical burial can cost about $10,000. That's a lot of money, caskets, and plots filling up cemeteries. But ... what if there was a cost-effective option to bury people, one that was good for the Earth and your pocket book? Today, we look at the prices and features of sustainable burials. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy...
Mar 04, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's Indicators of the Week, our weekly look under the hood of the global economy! Today on the show: Tyler Perry halts his film studio expansion plans because of AI, Wendy's communications about a new pricing board goes haywire and a key inflation measure falls. Related episodes: Listener Questions: the 30-year fixed mortgage, upgrade auctions, PCE inflation ( Apple / Spotify ) AI creates, transforms and destroys... jobs ( Apple / Spotify ) The secret entrance that sidesteps Hollywood picket li...
Mar 02, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Israel has long raised money from individual supporters living overseas through a tool called diaspora bonds. This financing tool is part patriotic gift and part investment. Today, we look at how diaspora bonds work and how Israel is making use of them for its war effort. Related episodes: The Great Remittance Mystery Oil prices and the Israel-Hamas war ( Apple / Spotify ) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.o...
Feb 29, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast From "Hot Labor Summer" to "Striketober," 2023 was another big year for workers joining picket lines. Today on the show, we'll dig into two recent reports that shed light on the state of labor unrest in the U.S.. We'll look at what industries are driving this trend, how workers are feeling about their jobs and what that says about the American labor movement. Related episodes: Why residuals are taking center stage in actors' strike ( Apple / Spotify ) The never-ending strike ( Apple / Spotify ) ...
Feb 28, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast