The Indicator from Planet Money

It's ... Indicators of the Week! Our weekly look at the some of the most fascinating economic numbers from the news. On today's episode, we investigate falling foreign travel to the U.S., why student loan default collections are back, and why maaaaaaaybe being so friendly with our AI chatbot pals has a cost. Related episodes: Economists take on student loan forgiveness Is AI overrated? (Apple / Spotify) Is AI underrated? (Apple / Spotify) For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Dive into the chaos of trade policy as President Trump grapples with tariff decisions amidst conflicting advice from top advisors. Explore the clash between manufacturing advocates and those cautious of a strong dollar. Discover how tariffs are framed as not just economic tools but also as strategies for national security. The podcast tackles the dollar dilemma, weighing its influence on exports and domestic production. All while revealing the intense debates shaping U.S. trade under Trump's leadership.

Mark Fisher, a Washington Post journalist and co-author of Trump, Revealed, sheds light on Donald Trump's complex relationship with tariffs. They explore whether Trump’s tariffs are mere negotiation tactics or permanent fixtures in his economic strategy. Fisher discusses Trump's childhood influences and his view of life as a series of battles. The conversation dives into Trump’s negotiation style, reflecting on how his grievances shape his policies and the psychological factors driving his decisions.

This discussion dives into the U.S.-China trade war, revealing how it's resonating within China. Insights from NPR experts show the psychological toll on manufacturers and how they're adapting strategies, even utilizing social media to connect with American buyers. The conversation also covers China's historical worries about trade relationships and evaluates its economic maneuvering amid current difficulties. Predictions about future negotiations add an interesting twist to the evolving trade dynamics.

Join a playful quiz with a Vancouver DJ who loves trap music and dives into economics! Discover the significance of trade agreements and the impact of the Panama Canal on global trade. Engage in a lively game of economic acronyms, while pop culture icons like Bad Bunny connect to social issues like gentrification. Learn about today's friendly marketing strategies that focus on building relationships with consumers. It’s a fun mix of music, trivia, and economic insights!

Amid economic turmoil, interest in financial insights is surging. The editor-in-chief of Investopedia reveals key economic terms driving this trend, including tariff impacts and market volatility. Dive into the Smoot-Hawley tariffs and their historical lessons, then navigate the complexities of stock market strategies during recession fears. Learn about the risks of investing and the nuances of high-stakes financial instruments. Prepare for the unexpected with cautionary tales from the past and modern insights!

When President Trump posted about buying stocks just hours before a tariff announcement, the market reacted dramatically. This sparked debates over whether his actions amounted to insider trading. Experts break down the boundaries of insider trading and the implications of political statements on market volatility. Additionally, the influence of social media on investor perception and potential investigations into public figures is explored. The complexities of communication in today's political climate come to the forefront.

Explore the ongoing debate over value-added tax (VAT) and its implications in international trade. Delve into the differences between VAT and sales tax and how these tax structures affect consumers. Discover how VAT influences European manufacturers' competitiveness versus U.S. producers. Learn about export subsidies and their role in shaping trade deficits. Additionally, examine the complex impact of tariffs on the U.S. economy, balancing national security concerns with potential downsides like increased consumer prices.

Discover the fascinating world of weather forecasting and its evolution over 150 years. Explore how the rise of private companies is reshaping the landscape, and the critical role of government data in creating reliable forecasts. Uncover the alarming implications of budget cuts on public safety amid severe weather events. Delve into the economic value of accurate predictions, which have saved billions, while highlighting the risks posed by staffing reductions. Should we invest more in this vital service for our communities?

Discover the intriguing reasons behind the IRS's decision to share taxpayer information, spotlighting privacy concerns. Delve into the surprising drops in the bond and stock markets, highlighting investor anxieties. Laugh along as the podcast imagines a future where robots take over household chores, discussing the potential social impacts and the joys of automation. Explore the hidden contributions of undocumented immigrants to the tax system, illustrating their unexpected role in the economy. It's a blend of finance, technology, and humor!