Gallup's Economic Confidence Index Ticks Up, But Still Negative

Americans’ assessments of the U.S. economy improved slightly in November and early December but remain decidedly negative, according to Gallup.  Its economic confidence index moved upward to -39 in November from -45 in October.  That's progress, of sorts.

While gas prices have come down, they are still higher than a year ago, and the majority of Americans say they have experienced financial hardship because of rising prices.  Persistently high inflation, a struggling stock market, high interest rates and fears of an impending recession are all factors in the negative outlook.

Gallup's economic confidence index ranges from -100 to +100.