Many Americans feel as optimistic as they did a year ago
Core finding
A plurality of Americans feel no more or less hopeful than they did a year ago. About three-in-ten (31%) say they are equally as optimistic about the future as a year ago, according to a November 2025 Verasight survey.
Overall, 40% of Americans feel less optimistic than a year ago, including 14% who feel a lot less, while 28% feel more optimistic, including 9% a lot more, so the shift tilts negative.
Topline distribution
Many Americans feel as optimistic as they did a year ago.
Compared to one year ago, how optimistic are you about the future?
n = 1,000 · Nov 14–20, 2025 · MoE ±3.2%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | US adults age 18+ |
| Field dates | Nov 14–20, 2025 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.2% |
| Module | Module 3 |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/verasight-apha-2025
Compared to one year ago, how optimistic are you about the future?
Cite this question
Verasight APHA Omnibus Survey #2025-148, fielded November 14-20, 2025, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.2%.