Continued Pessimism Surrounds the U.S. Economy
This month’s outlook on the U.S. economy remains persistently negative, with adverse perceptions having lingered for several years. Public sentiment regarding the job market is notably grim.
In a year characterized by numerous announcements about advancements in artificial intelligence, skepticism abounds regarding the impact of AI on employment opportunities.
Recent surveys indicate an uptick in the belief that the economy is deteriorating, a sentiment aggravated by rising prices that weigh heavily on public perception.
Price Increases Influencing Economic Evaluations
For many individuals, prices remain the primary barometer for assessing the health of the broader economy. Recent trends reveal that the cost of goods and services continues to escalate, with many anticipating further increases, albeit marginally.
This expectation persists despite somewhat improved assessments of fluctuations in gas prices.
Job Market Dynamics
A little over fifty percent of respondents characterize the current job market as unfavorable, a more scathing evaluation than the mixed opinions expressed six months prior.
Despite this dismal assessment, many employed individuals report feeling at least somewhat secure in their current positions. Conversely, there is a prevailing sentiment among the workforce that finding a desirable job would prove challenging.
Long-Term Outlook on Job Availability
When individuals consider long-term trends in the job market, opinions are varied, and overall, growth in job availability is not anticipated.
A staggering four-to-one ratio illustrates that Americans believe there are fewer quality jobs compared to five years ago, with most seeing little change. Even those who express job security often perceive a scarcity of attractive opportunities.
As is frequently the case in economic discourse, partisan perspectives significantly influence opinions regarding the job market and overall economic health, with Republicans typically expressing more optimism than Democrats.
Concerns About Artificial Intelligence
Ongoing discussions and reports continue to highlight the potential impact of AI across various sectors. Generally, Americans express skepticism, believing AI will negatively influence job availability over the next decade, both for those currently employed and those seeking positions.
A broader apprehension exists regarding the overall ramifications of AI and its associated companies on the U.S. economy, a perspective shared across educational and income strata, albeit slightly less pronounced among younger demographics.
Nevertheless, some individuals posit that available jobs may become easier to manage due to technological advancements in AI.
Economic Sentiment Trends
Overall evaluations of the U.S. economy, which have trended negatively for an extended period, show a slight decrease since the summer.
Those in higher income brackets tend to report a more favorable personal financial situation compared to their lower-income counterparts. However, a significant majority across all income levels acknowledge escalating prices.
Survey Methodology
This CBS News/YouGov survey queried a nationally representative sample of 2,489 U.S. adults between September 30 and October 2, 2025.
The sample was weighted to reflect the demographics of the adult population in accordance with U.S. Census data and the Current Population Survey, with a margin of error of ±2.2 points.
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