Americans head into 2026 with a mix of hope and worry
Core finding
Americans enter 2026 with worry and hope at almost the same level. Four in ten feel at least somewhat worried about the year, including 20% who are very worried, and 40% feel at least somewhat hopeful, including 15% who are very hopeful, according to a Verasight survey conducted Dec. 22, 2025 to Jan. 5, 2026.
The remaining one-in-five (20%) call their outlook for the year neutral.
Topline distribution
Americans head into 2026 with a mix of hope and worry.
When you think about 2026 overall, which best describes your outlook?
n = 1,000 · Dec 22, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026 · MoE ±3.1%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | United States adults |
| Field dates | Dec 22, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.1% |
| Module | predictions |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight for AI and predictions questions; weight_popculture for pop culture questions |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/2026-predictions
When you think about 2026 overall, which best describes your outlook?
Cite this question
2026 Predictions Survey #2025-183, fielded December 22, 2025-January 5, 2026, N=1,000 United States adults, +/- 3.1%.