June 19, 2020: Fifty-five percent (55%) of voters nationwide believe the economy is getting worse these days. A Ballotpedia national survey found that figure is up five points from a survey conducted in late May.^[1]

Since that earlier survey, the number who believe the economy is getting better has inched up just two points to 24%.^[1]

To some, these results may be surprising. The initial survey was conducted before the most recent jobs report, at a time when many experts projected the report would show millions of jobs lost. Instead, that report showed a net gain of 2.5 million jobs.^[2] However, after an economic slump, it often takes many months of good economic news before confidence rebounds.

Additionally, the partisan dynamics are interesting. Since that earlier survey, Republicans have grown more optimistic while Democrats and independents have gone in the opposite direction.

• Fifty percent (50%) of GOP voters now believe the economy is getting better—up nine points since late May.
• Seventy-four percent (74%) of Democrats now believe the economy is getting worse—up ten points from the previous survey.
• The number of independents who believe the economy is getting worse jumped eight points to 58%.^[1]

Yesterday's Number of the Day showed that 42% of voters know someone who lost their job due to the shutdowns and have since been rehired. On that question, there was no significant partisan gap. There was, however, a generational divide.

We will continue to monitor economic expectations as America recovers.

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