October 14, 2025
Newsweek recently published an article featuring Mark Williams, Master Lecturer of Finance, discussing growing pessimism about the U.S. economy.
A new Economist/YouGov poll finds that 57% of Americans believe the economy is getting worse – the highest level of concern in over a year. The downturn in public sentiment comes amid a prolonged government shutdown, persistent inflation, and renewed trade tensions with China.
“Compared to last year, the U.S. economy is slowing down,” Williams notes. “Consumer confidence has hit recent lows, reflecting uncertainty around rising layoffs, slowing hiring, and an ongoing federal shutdown. Economic data also point to inflation remaining sticky and above Fed target rates.”
As economic anxiety mounts and political divisions deepen, analysts warn that an extended shutdown could further undermine confidence and influence the run-up to the 2026 midterm elections.