Direction of National Economy: Pessimism Matches Optimism % saying a year from now, national economic conditions will saying be
However, the public is not optimistic about the direction of the national economy over the next year. As many say that economic conditions will be worse in a year (22%) as say they will be better (22%); 54% say the economy will be about the same a year from now.
Republicans and Democrats differ significantly in their economic expectations. More Democrats expect the economy to be better in a year (31%) than worse (11%); 56% say conditions will be the same. Among Republicans, 31% say the economy will be worse in a year compared with 15% who think it will be better; 51% say it will be about the same.
Direction of National Economy:  | Pessimism Matches Optimism  | % saying a year from now, national economic conditions  | will saying be  | Be tter  | Same  | Worse  | Total  | 22  | 54  | 22  | Republican  | 15  | 51  | 31  | Independent  | 21  | 57  | 22  | Democrat  | 31  | 56  | 11  | Survey conducted August20-24, 2014 Don tknow responses not  | shown.  | PEW RESEARCH CENTER 