Fewer Americans expect to be better off in a year

(June 14, 2013) -- The increase in Americans' financial pessimism is contrary to their improving economic confidence and standard-of-living perceptions -- which have generally been higher this year than in the previous five years, Gallup noted. While the economy has improved in some respects, Americans may still be skeptical that indicators such as economic confidence and record-high stock values will translate into long-term economic growth.