A new CBS News/YouGov survey shows that Americans remain largely pessimistic about the state of the U.S. economy, with most people saying that rising prices are still hurting their finances. Even though some other indicators like job reports and the stock market have shown movement, inflation continues to dominate how people feel about the economy.
Mixed Feelings, But More Pessimism Than Before
The survey, conducted between March 24–26, 2025, included a national sample of 2,351 adults and revealed that the public’s economic outlook has become slightly more negative compared to last month. More people now expect a slowdown or even a recession in the coming year.
While about one-third of respondents still rate the economy as “good,” this number hasn’t changed since the previous month. In fact, this low confidence in the economy has been consistent since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inflation Matters Most to Americans
When people were asked what influences their opinion about the economy, the answer was clear: rising prices. Whether it’s groceries, rent, or fuel, most Americans say that prices are still going up, and this is the main reason behind their negative view.
In comparison, fewer people mentioned:
- Job availability
- Interest rates
- Stock market performance
Interestingly, even among those who say the stock market affects their personal finances, their views about the economy are not very different from others.
Personal Finances: A Divided Picture
While just over half of Americans say they’re doing “fairly well” right now, this overall number hides a deeper divide based on income.
By income level:
- People with household incomes above $50,000 are more likely to say they are managing well.
- Those earning below $50,000 are more likely to report they are struggling financially.
Most people also say their incomes are not keeping up with inflation, which has made it harder for them to save money or manage basic expenses.
Retirement Savings Bring Long-Term Worries
Besides current financial pressure, many Americans also say they are worried about retirement savings. There is growing anxiety about whether they will have enough in the future to retire comfortably, especially with the continued rise in living costs.
These concerns come as consumer confidence recently hit a multi-year low, according to broader economic indicators.
The CBS News/YouGov poll confirms that economic uncertainty continues across the United States. Most Americans remain pessimistic, especially due to rising prices.
While some are doing fairly well, especially those with higher incomes, many are still struggling to keep up with inflation. With long-term concerns like retirement savings also increasing, the mood across the country remains cautious and concerned.