The Indicator from Planet Money

Simon Rabinovitch, U.S. economics editor for The Economist, offers compelling insights into America's economic landscape. He discusses the Great Shale Revolution and its impact on energy independence, showcasing the U.S. stock market's global significance. Despite many Americans feeling uneasy, he argues that the U.S. remains an economic powerhouse, although he warns that a Trump presidency poses risks to this exceptionalism. Rabinovitch also addresses challenges like income inequality while emphasizing the dollar's strength as the world's reserve currency.

The Beigie Awards are back, highlighting economic storytelling through the Beige Book. Midwest farmers face logistical nightmares getting their corn and soybeans to market. Rail congestion and reduced barge traffic are causing major headaches. Drought adds to the chaos, leading to skyrocketing transportation costs. On a lighter note, the fierce debate over Chicago's pizza styles, thin crust vs. deep dish, showcases local culture and community bonding.

Alan Hinich, a reporter on the apple industry in Appalachia, and John Brugier, a seventh-generation apple grower, explore the fascinating world of apples in the U.S. government’s historic purchase of apples amidst a market oversupply. They discuss the challenges facing small farmers, including plummeting prices and consumer demand. The duo also touches on the historical roots of family-run orchards and shares insights on how farmers are adapting and innovating to survive in a changing agricultural landscape.

The latest jobs report reveals a stagnant unemployment rate and modest job growth, influenced by recent hurricanes and strikes. Experts urge caution in interpreting these figures, emphasizing the complexity behind job statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics plays a crucial role in providing reliable data, especially in a politically charged environment. Insights into the challenges of calculating employment figures shed light on their importance in shaping economic understanding and policy ahead of elections.

Nancy Qian, a Northwestern University economics professor, dives into the historical implications of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. She discusses how the law, intended to protect jobs for native-born workers, actually harmed local economies in Western states. Qian reveals that both Chinese immigrants and white workers suffered as towns lost economic vitality. The conversation also highlights the broader lessons of immigration policy today, emphasizing the vital contributions immigrants make to the labor market and the unintended consequences of exclusionary practices.

Zeke Hernandez, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and author of "The Truth About Immigration," sheds light on the immigration debate often neglected in media and politics. He argues that immigrants are wrongly portrayed, missing the positive impact they have on the U.S. economy. The discussion highlights how immigrants contribute to talent, innovation, and labor shortages, while also emphasizing their tax contributions and entrepreneurial spirit. Hernandez's insights challenge the binary perceptions of immigrants, advocating for a more nuanced understanding.

Jason Furman, an Economics professor at Harvard and former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under Obama, discusses the looming Social Security crisis. He highlights the imbalance between incoming payroll taxes and payouts, predicting potential depletion by 2031. Furman also explores the political implications of proposed tax cuts and borrowing to sustain funding. He introduces a new indicator for assessing America's financial health, emphasizing the importance of addressing national debt and fostering bipartisan solutions to avert financial disaster for retirees.

The Maldives is a small island nation struggling with a heavy debt load. Its borrowing includes $500 million worth of something called sukuk. These are bond-like investments that don't pay interest, to be in line with Islamic law. Today on the show, we explain how sukuk works, how it fits into the larger world of Islamic finance and what might happen if the Maldives can't pay back its debt.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 more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This podcast cleverly merges economics and romance, offering insights on relationship dilemmas. An economist tackles the financial nuances of first dates and the perennial debate of who pays. There’s also a deep dive into how income disparities affect love, as well as strategies for communicating financial responsibilities. Listeners learn that actions often speak louder than words when it comes to expressing love, particularly in long-term relationships. It’s a fascinating exploration of love through the lens of economics!

Justin McLeod, CEO of Hinge, dives into the growing backlash against online dating, highlighting user frustrations like unanswered messages and endless swiping. He discusses how Hinge aims to foster authentic connections, contrasting itself with major competitors. The conversation also touches on Hinge's innovative algorithms designed to enhance matchmaking, focusing on user preferences over attractiveness. Plus, McLeod hints at insights from a Nobel Prize economist to help reshape users' perceptions of love and relationships in the digital age.