Trump’s supporters are much more likely to say that they expect their 2017 to be better financially than Clinton supporters, 55 percent to 25 percent.
Ebbing Anxiety
More than seven years after the end of the most punishing recession since the 1930s, an era of anxiety appears to be ebbing. By 25 percent to 10 percent, poll respondents say they expect their job security to improve rather than worsen, while the remainder either foresee no change or do not have a job. Employers boosted payrolls by 178,000 people in November, as the unemployment rate tumbled to a nine-year low.
Many more poll respondents were more optimistic than pessimistic about the value of their home improving in 2017, 35 percent to 8 percent. That’s up from a 20 percent to 20 percent split at the same time in 2012.
On retirement security, 35 percent say they will be better off next year and 13 percent worse, compared to 19 percent better and 21 percent worse four years ago. For overall financial security, 38 percent say better and 12 percent worse, compared to 25 percent better and 21 percent worse in 2012.
American Institutions
The survey also looked at American institutions, including small businesses, corporate executives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wall Street banks, Congress, the White House, the Federal Reserve, insurance companies and the national news media.
The Federal Reserve is viewed favorably by 50 percent and unfavorably by 26 percent, while 24 percent are unsure. That’s up from 42 percent favorable when the poll last tested it as an institution in March 2010.
The survey shows Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen isn’t nearly as well-known as national politicians. She’s viewed positively by 24 percent and negatively by 19 percent, while 57 percent say they don’t have an opinion on her.
Small business is viewed favorably by 85 percent. Corporate executives and Wall Street banks don’t do nearly as well, with favorable numbers of just 30 percent and 26 percent, respectively.