Bullish On Stocks, Bearish On Groceries And Paychecks? Americans Split On 2026 Economy
Americans kicked off 2026 with cautious optimism—expecting the economy and stock market to strengthen in the months ahead, even as concerns over rising inflation and unemployment remain firmly in place.Gallup's latest economic sentiment poll, conducted Jan. 2–17, finds that 50% of U.S. adults anticipate stock market gains and 49% forecast economic growth. But 62% still expect inflation to climb, and half foresee higher joblessness—highlighting a nation split on where the economy is heading.Optimism Rebounds After Tariff-Driven Pessimism In 2025The survey results mark a recovery from sentiment seen in April 2025, when public confidence cratered in the wake of sweeping tariffs enacted by President Donald Trump on trading partners. At that time, just 29% expected stock market gains, down from 61% in early 2025.Now, as markets have stabilized, stock market optimism has bounced back 21 percentage points. Only 25% of Americans now expect equities to decline in the next six months.Similarly, belief in economic growth has climbed from 38% to 49% since April. Fewer Americans now expect contraction, with only 36% predicting a shrinking economy.Importantly, ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
