Pew Research Center for the People & the Press

Public More Optimistic about Economy, But Concerns Persist

Obama, Economy Now Better Rated by Independents

February 16, 2012

Optimism about the national economy has rebounded in the first two months of this year after sagging in 2011.

Currently, 44% say they expect economic conditions to be better a year from now, up from 34% last month and 28% in December. A majority (54%) say either that the economy is already recovering (25%) or that it will recover soon (29%). That compares to last April when 44% said a recovery was already underway or would occur soon.

The latest national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, conducted Feb. 8-12, also finds an uptick in Barack Obama's job rating. Currently, 47% approve of the way he is handling his job as president while 43% disapprove. Last month, 44% approved and 48% disapproved. A contributing factor is that Obama's job rating among independents has rebounded sharply from a low point in January.

Read the full report for more findings on the public's view of the economy, including perceptions among Americans about the impact of Obama's economic policies. The report also breaks down views on the economy by demographic and partisan groups.

See also this week's other surveys from the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press:

• Santorum Catches Romney in GOP Race
• Public Divided Over Birth Control Insurance Mandate
• Public Takes Tough Line on Iran's Nuclear Program

You can see all of our coverage of politics and the campaign at our Elections '12 page.