Each American’s view of the economy falls into one of five basic types, according to the USA Today/Gallup Poll’s July 31 survey of more than 1,000 adults.
The unflustered and the comfortable – 54 percent of adults – express minimal worry about reducing spending. That suggests a sudden belt-tightening by consumers is unlikely, Gallup revealed.
The Gallup also reported that by 2-to-1 Americans are more apt to rate the economy negatively than positively, which is why 71 percent say full recovery is more than one year off and why nearly two-thirds rate the stock market decline as a crisis or major problem.
Nonetheless, Gallup pollster David Moore said Americans are a long way from viewing current conditions as doomsday. “Most people,” he said, “are generally comfortable with things or at least optimistic that they’ll get better.”
Economic View Percent of Americans
Unflustered 31 percent
Comfortable 23 percent
Stressed & stretched 20 percent
Strugglers 16 percent
Anxious optimists 10 percent
Source: USA Today and Gallup Poll
The author is Managing Editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at nwisniewski@lawnandlandscape.com.