Economic pessimism eases slightly: Gallup

Gallup found that Americans’ economic pessimism eased modestly in September, although views of the economy remained strongly negative. The improvement matters because it suggests concern about the economic outlook had softened slightly after months of inflation and other pressures, rather than signalling broad confidence in current conditions.

Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index rose to -58 from -65 in August, driven entirely by a less negative outlook for the economy’s future. Fifty-nine per cent expected conditions to worsen, down from 65%, while ratings of current conditions were unchanged: 42% described them as poor and 14% as excellent or good.