Also today: We look at how recent hurricanes in the Gulf have affected oil prices.

From the BBC World Service: A new defense pact between Australia, the U.S. and the U.K. threatens to put even more strain on the relationship between Australia and China. And Zimbabwe has emerged as a leader in the drive to roll coronavirus vaccines out across Africa.

Also today: Susan Schmidt joins us to discuss the economy as well as whether or not Fed chair Jerome Powell will stick around. Then, we engage in a discussion about how company leaders handle the challenges that come when it’s time for people to return to the physical workplace. 

Also today: China’s retail sales numbers have grown, but at a much slower rate than expected. A report from Congress says proposed Democrat tax increases to help fuel the president’s massive spending plan would impact higher-income Americans the most.

From the BBC World Service: Shares in a range of Macau casino companies fell by up to a third as authorities announced a 45-day consultation period on future regulation of the sector. The President of the European Commission has warned of a “pandemic of the unvaccinated” unless efforts are stepped up to share coronavirus vaccine doses around the world. And vaccine manufacturer BioNTech has announced it aims to start producing malaria and tuberculosis shots in Africa.

Also today: Jeffery Cleveland drops in to discuss the rise and fall of prices as well as what the Fed might be thinking about as inflation appears to slow down. We examine a bill that could alter how businesses like Amazon handle warehouse quotas.

Also today, Hurricane Nicholas made landfall early this morning along the Gulf coasts of Texas and Louisiana, and it has once again disrupted Gulf oil production.

From the BBC World Service: The Chinese conglomerate Evergrande has detailed the extent of its financial problems. Plus, we examine the future of Norway’s oil sector following the country’s general election. And assess the plight of Nigerians who live near the country’s toxic gas flares, which are a result of oil extraction in the country. 

Also today: Julia Coronado joins us for today’s economic discussion. The BBC reports on the struggle of female gamers to boost their earning potential in the competitive gaming world of esports.