The Indicator from Planet Money

Discover General Motors' surprising investment in V-8 engines despite the electric vehicle trend. Explore the thrill of gas engines and the challenges electric vehicles face. Delve into the potential acquisition of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel, featuring the intriguing concept of a 'golden share' for national security. Unpack the unpredictable world of Trump's tariffs, where negotiations take center stage over genuine policies. It's a fascinating look at how corporate strategies and market sentiment collide.

The podcast dives into the complexities of trade negotiations under Trump, featuring insights from a former negotiator. It questions the substance of touted trade deals, using 'Deal or No Deal' as a metaphor for evaluating agreements with the UK and China. The conversation highlights the importance of detailed commitments and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. Finally, it examines how recent trade agreements may lack clarity, impacting their effectiveness and the sustainability of these relationships.

Discover why college football coaches are often the highest paid employees at universities, sometimes earning close to $11 million a year. The podcast explores the economic implications of these hefty salaries, questioning if they truly make sense. Learn how a successful football team boosts university revenues and attracts students, while also uncovering the complex financial structures behind coaching salaries. Tune in to understand the balance that university leaders must strike between athletics and academics.

Discover the challenges of building affordable housing in major cities like San Francisco, where soaring costs and shifting definitions of affordability complicate solutions. Learn about the Tehanan housing complex's success, achieved through streamlined regulations. The discussion highlights the paradox of local governance in housing decisions and contrasts approaches from cities like Houston and New York. Explore the delicate balance between building regulations and innovation, using a creative chainsaw metaphor!

Explore the fascinating origins and evolution of search engines, starting from their rudimentary beginnings to the revolutionary impact of Google. Discover user frustrations that sparked innovation and delve into the genius of the PageRank algorithm. Learn how Google transformed online advertising with AdWords, reshaping how we access information and interact with content. The discussion also critiques modern internet practices and suggests improvements for more accessible information in our digital world.

This discussion dives into Target's troubled sales and the consequences of social justice backlash. Klarna's staggering $99 million loss reveals the pitfalls of the buy now, pay later trend and its comparison to traditional financing methods. Meanwhile, Sesame Street embarks on a new adventure with its 56th season on Netflix, potentially rejuvenating the beloved series. Tune in for insights on retail challenges and evolving consumer behaviors that shape today’s economy!

The launch of $TRUMP coin has stirred up excitement and controversy, raking in massive profits. Unearthing the legal gray areas, the discussion dives into presidential endorsements and the Foreign Emoluments Clause. Blockchain analysis reveals buyer connections and the political implications surrounding meme coins. There's a humorous twist with proposals that highlight absurdities in the political finance landscape. This blend of cryptocurrency and politics offers a fascinating look at modern financial dynamics and celebrity influence.

Explore how a trade war in the 80s revolutionized U.S. car manufacturing. Discover the shift from American muscle cars to fuel-efficient Japanese imports sparked by an energy crisis. Learn about Ronald Reagan's trade policies and their influence on U.S. auto industry negotiations. Understand how historical dynamics shaped today's automotive landscape and the ongoing implications for job security and global trade strategies.

The podcast dives into the booming world of airport lounges linked to credit card rewards and questions their value for credit card companies. It also examines how carbon taxes in Canada are performing and the political dynamics at play. Additionally, listeners learn why gasoline prices are rising despite lower crude oil costs, exploring factors like seasonal formulations and refining margins. The hosts unravel these topics with engaging insights and expert opinions, making it a fascinating listen!

Discover the art of negotiation with insights from economist Daryl Fairweather's latest work. Explore powerful lessons drawn from personal experiences and the dynamics within Destiny's Child. Hear about workplace challenges and the struggle for fair compensation. Delve into strategies specifically designed for undervalued groups, highlighting the importance of market value and data. Join the conversation on how to navigate negotiations effectively, whether you're asking for a raise or advocating for yourself in any aspect of life.