Public gives the economy mixed reviews; most say it’s helping the rich, while few say it’s helping them

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May 19, 2020

Most Americans Say the Current Economy Is Helping the Rich, Hurting the Poor and Middle Class

Public gives the economy mixed reviews; most say it’s helping the rich, while few say it’s helping them

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Public gives the economy mixed reviews; most say it’s helping the rich, while few say it’s helping them

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Most Americans Say the Current Economy Is Helping the Rich, Hurting the Poor and Middle Class
About six-in-ten middle-income Americans have credit card debt
Upper-income Americans are about five times as likely to have stocks or bonds as lower-income Americans
More than half of lower-income Americans frequently worry about health care costs
Most Americans do not describe themselves as ‘living comfortably’
Most Americans do not describe themselves as ‘living comfortably’
Nearly half of lower-income Republicans say current economic conditions are hurting them, their families
Majorities see current economic conditions helping the wealthy, hurting the poor and middle class
Consumer prices, including gas, have a disproportionate impact on household finances for lower-income Americans
The availability of jobs matters more in assessments of the overall economy than in people’s own financial situations
Views of the economy are highly partisan, but income gaps persist within parties
About two-thirds of lower-income Americans frequently worry about paying their bills
Public gives the economy mixed reviews; most say it’s helping the rich, while few say it’s helping them
About six-in-ten middle-income Americans have credit card debt
Upper-income Americans are about five times as likely to have stocks or bonds as lower-income Americans
Most who don’t currently live comfortably expect they will in future
Nearly half of lower-income Republicans say current economic conditions are hurting them, their families
Consumer prices, including gas, have a disproportionate impact on household finances for lower-income Americans
The availability of jobs matters more in assessments of the overall economy than in people’s own financial situations
Views of the economy are highly partisan, but income gaps persist within parties
About two-thirds of lower-income Americans frequently worry about paying their bills
Most Americans do not describe themselves as ‘living comfortably’
Consumer prices, including gas, have a disproportionate impact on household finances for lower-income Americans
About two-thirds of lower-income Americans frequently worry about paying their bills
ST_19.12.01_Econ recovery interactive__140@2x
More than half of lower-income Americans frequently worry about health care costs
The availability of jobs matters more in assessments of the overall economy than in people’s own financial situations
Majorities see current economic conditions helping the wealthy, hurting the poor and middle class

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts.

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