Americans Express Deep Pessimism Over Economy as Wages Fail to Keep Pace with Rising Prices

Despite official economic indicators like the stock market performing well, consumer sentiment in the U.S. has reached record lows, driven by a 'cost-of-living crisis.' Since the 2024 election, average hourly wages have increased by just over 6%, barely keeping up with overall inflation, while prices for basic necessities such as energy and housing have significantly outpaced this growth. Many Americans report feeling a severe financial squeeze, with some describing the situation as a 'recession' based on their personal experiences, highlighting a disconnect between official statistics and household financial realities.