The U.S. economy is doing better than many had anticipated. Some 80 percent of jobs lost during the pandemic have been regained, and people are making, and spending, more.

But Americans seem to feel terrible about the financial outlook.

Why the gap between reality and perception?

Guest: Ben Casselman, a reporter covering economics and business for The New York Times.

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Background reading: 

• American consumers express worry about inflation and are pessimistic about the direction of the country in general. But none of that is keeping them from spending.

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