Jul 30, 2021

Delta variant concerns contribute to drop in consumer optimism

We ask how big oil companies plan to utilize their incoming wave of expected profits. Then we head over to France, where a "health pass" is about to make the rounds.

Segments From this episode

How are consumers feeling about the economy?

by Mitchell Hartman

Jul 30, 2021

There have been signs of robust economic growth, but consumer concerns are rising ... along with the surge of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

Some economists worry that the latest COVID-19 delta variant surge will make shoppers pull back again.

Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

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Oil companies are expected to report a good quarter. So what'll they do with the profits?

by Andy Uhler

Jul 30, 2021

Usually they'd plow them back into drilling new wells. But right now, that's not what investors want.

A general view of an Exxon Mobil refinery in Rotterdam, Netherlands in April 2020. Exxon-Mobil and Chevron report their earnings on Friday to optimistic investors.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images

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COVID-19

In France, consumers and business owners react to new "health pass"

by John Laurenson

Jul 30, 2021

The health pass requires people to show proof of vaccination before going into cafés, restaurants and bars, among other venues, along with some forms of transportation.

A man shows his health pass to a vendor before sitting at a coffee shop in Benerville-sur-Mer on July 27.

Sameer Al-Doumy/AFP via Getty Images

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The team

David Brancaccio Host

Victoria Craig Host, BBC

Stephen Ryan Senior Producer, BBC

Jonathan Frewin Producer, BBC

Daniel Shin Producer

Jay Siebold Technical Director

Brian Allison Engineer

Meredith Garretson Morbey Senior Producer

Erika Soderstrom Producer

Rose Conlon Producer

Alex Schroeder Producer

Redmond Carolipio Digital Producer

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