# Most Americans are pessimistic about the economy next year

Canonical page: https://data.verasight.io/money/most-americans-are-pessimistic-about-the-economy-next-year/

> Indexed question in Money & Finance.

## Reading

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

Thinking about the economy in the next year, do you feel optimistic or pessimistic?

Most Americans are pessimistic about the economy next year.

- Somewhat optimistic: 32.3%
- Somewhat pessimistic: 30.7%
- Very pessimistic: 25.3%
- Very optimistic: 11.7%

## 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: 2026-09-25 → 2026-09-30
- 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

## Source

- Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-27](https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-27)

## Citation

APSA Omnibus Survey #2026-153, fielded September 25-30, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.5%.

Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-27](https://reports.verasight.io/r/2026-153-apsa-omnibus-report#q-27)