Positive opinions about Wall Street have slipped modestly since 2009, according to the Pew Research Center’s recently released 2012 American Values Survey. A majority (58%) agrees that “Wall Street makes an important contribution to the American economy,” down from 63% three years ago.

But a larger majority (72%) agrees with the statement: “Wall Street only cares about making money for itself.” In 2009, 67% expressed this view.

Nearly seven-in-ten Republicans (69%) say that Wall Street contributes significantly to the economy, compared with 57% of independents and 53% of Democrats.

Republicans are less likely than Democrats or independents to say that Wall Street only cares about making money for itself. But sizable majorities across partisan groups express this view: 66% of Republicans, 78% of Democrats and 74% of independents. Read More