Welcome to the Number of the Day

January 13, 2021

Economic optimism declined as the new year arrived. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 19% of voters believe their personal finances are getting better. That's down three points from a month ago and down eight since October.[1]

Twenty-six percent (26%) believe their own finances are getting worse. That's up just a single point compared to the pre-election survey.[1]

The decline in optimism has been driven by Republicans. Prior to the election, 43% of GOP voters believed their finances were getting better. That fell to 36% after the election and 18% now. Such a partisan perspective is fairly normal following an election. Typically, Republicans are more upbeat about the economy when a Republican is in the White House, and Democrats are more optimistic when a Democrat is president.[1][2][3]

That decline has been partially offset by an increased confidence among Democrats. Twenty-five percent (25%) of Democrats now say their finances are getting better. That's up seven points since Biden was elected.[1]

Among independent voters, 14% now say their finances are getting better, while 28% say worse.[1]

The survey also found that just 12% believe the overall economy is getting better, while 51% say it's getting worse.[1]

Eighteen percent (18%) currently rate the economy as good or excellent, while 37% say it's in poor shape.[1]

On the personal front, 37% say their own finances are good or excellent. Twenty-three percent (23%) say their finances are in poor shape.[1]