Pessimism about the U.S. economy has reached historic levels, with most Americans declaring that the American dream is no longer within reach, according to a new Wall Street Journal/NORC poll.

The survey found that only one in four U.S. adults believes they have a good chance of improving their standard of living � a striking collapse of confidence in a country long defined by economic mobility. Nearly half of respondents said they expect the economy to get worse over the next year, compared with just a quarter who anticipate improvement, while the rest expect little change.

Perceptions of the economy remain overwhelmingly negative. A majority of Americans, 56 percent, described the economy as either �poor� or �not so good.� Even though that number has eased slightly from last year, the outlook remains grim. Equally stark was the finding that 69 percent of Americans believe the American dream � the belief that hard work leads to a better life � is no longer true or never was.

The survey also underscored deep financial unease. Nearly half of respondents described themselves as only �more or less satisfied� with their current financial situation, while 30 percent admitted to being outright dissatisfied. Just 22 percent expressed satisfaction. Inflation remains a central strain: nearly a third of Americans reported major financial hardship from rising prices, and another third said inflation is at least a minor burden. Even among those not yet hit hard, many warned they will feel the squeeze if prices keep climbing.

Housing affordability stood out as another major concern. Fewer than a quarter of Americans said they were very confident they could buy a home if they wanted to, while more than half said they had little or no confidence in their ability to do so.

Despite a modest uptick in optimism � with 44 percent rating the economy as �excellent� or �good,� six points higher than last year � the poll confirms a bleak national mood. At its core, the findings suggest a public increasingly resigned to economic stagnation and doubtful that the path to prosperity is still open.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)