The Economy.

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Author: Acomb, Deborah L.

Views on Policy and Politics

Hold the Malaise Consumers aren't in despair, but they don't foresee the economy--or their personal financial situation--improving anytime soon. More than half of the adults polled by Ipsos said they expect their personal finances to be in the same condition six months from now. Only two in five thought their finances would be in better shape in six months; 10 percent thought they would be worse. A plurality of 44 percent said they are less comfortable making a major purchase today than they were six months ago; respondents were more optimistic about buying smaller, less expensive items.

Forty-three percent of respondents said they were confident in their ability to save or invest for the future; six months ago, that figure was 39 percent. Half expressed reservations about investing in the stock market within the next 30 days, and slightly more, 54 percent, said the next month won't be a good time to buy real estate. Respondents were divided over job security, although more than half, 53 percent, said they do not expect to lose their jobs in the next six months. (3/8/06, 1,000 adults, margin of error ±3.1%)

49% of Americas think that housing values in their neighborhood won't change in the next six months. (L.A. Times/Blomberg)

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By Deborah L. Acomb