Most Americans are pessimistic about the economy next year
Core finding
Verasight surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults from September 25 to 30, 2026. Looking ahead a year, 56.0% of Americans feel pessimistic about the economy and 44.0% feel optimistic.
Very pessimistic accounts for 25.3% and very optimistic for 11.7%. The question offered no neutral answer.
Topline distribution
Most Americans are pessimistic about the economy next year.
Thinking about the economy in the next year, do you feel optimistic or pessimistic?
n = 1,000 · Sep 25–30, 2026 · MoE ±3.5%
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 | Sep 25–30, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.5% |
| Module | Democracy, Politics, & Participation |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report
Thinking about the economy in the next year, do you feel optimistic or pessimistic?
Cite this question
APSA Omnibus Survey #2026-153, fielded September 25-30, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.5%.