Clark Biweekly 6 3 24

Author

Anthony Hazzard
June 03, 2024

Americans have a pessimistic view of the current economy. Find out the results as to why, later in this email.

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📈 Poll: Americans Hold Pessimistic View on Current Economy

If a recent Harris Poll is to be believed, Americans are much more pessimistic about the economy than the current real-world data suggests.

As we draw closer to the next presidential election on Nov. 5, expect to see many different narratives about the economy from both sides of the political aisle as well as various media companies.

Unrelated to politics, Americans as a whole seem to have a negatively skewed perception of the economy as of now.

Here are a few of the results of the Harris Poll:

  • 72% of Americans say the rate of inflation is increasing (it peaked at 9.1% in June 2022 and fell from 3.5% to 3.4% in April)

  • 56% of Americans believe the U.S. is currently in a recession (GDP has been rising)

  • 55% of Americans believe the economy is shrinking (GDP has been rising)

  • 49% of Americans think the S&P 500 is down year to date (up 10%year-to-date as of Friday)

  • 49% of Americans think unemployment is at a 50-year high (it’s near a 50-year low)

Along with the election, there’s continued uncertainty around when the Fed will lower interest rates, a move long expected but continually getting pushed back as the economy runs hotter than expected.

📊 Stat of the Day

📉 44%: The percentage of Americans who found errors in their credit reports, according to a new report by Consumer Reports and Work money. More than a quarter (27%) of the errors were potentially damaging. Are there any errors on your credit report? Take a few moments to check your credit report this week. We have a guide on how to do it for free.

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🎙️ Podcast

It’s time for "Clark Stinks!" Christa reads the latest "Clark Stinks!" submissions and Clark responds. Also, something many people avoid talking about but almost all of us need: life insurance. Clark shares how much you really need and how to buy it.

☎️ Need Money Help?

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

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