The Daily

The Pandemic Economy in 7 Numbers

Episode Summary

There are several figures that tell the story of the American economy right now. Some are surprisingly positive — the housing market is booming — while others paint a more dire picture. Using seven key numbers, we look at the sectors that have been affected most profoundly and consider what the path to recovery might look like. Guest: Ben Casselman, who covers economics and business for The New York Times, walks us through the pandemic’s impact. We want to hear from you. Fill out our survey about The Daily and other shows at: nytimes.com/thedailysurvey For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily  Background reading: Here is Ben’s snapshot of the key data points for understanding the impact of the pandemic on the economy.The expiration of two critical programs at the end of this year could leave millions of Americans vulnerable and short-circuit the nation’s precarious recovery.

Episode Notes

There are several figures that tell the story of the American economy right now.

Some are surprisingly positive — the housing market is booming — while others paint a more dire picture.

Using seven key numbers, we look at the sectors that have been affected most profoundly and consider what the path to recovery might look like.


Guest: Ben Casselman, who covers economics and business for The New York Times, walks us through the pandemic’s impact.


We want to hear from you. Fill out our survey about The Daily and other shows at: nytimes.com/thedailysurvey


For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily


Background reading: