Americans Express Mix of Concern and Hope on the Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans are concerned about the present state of the economy and believe conditions are worsening, but their six-month predictions for specific aspects of the economy are less dire -- particularly in terms of the stock market and economic growth.

When asked about the trend in economic growth over the next six months, 48% of Americans think it will go up by a lot or a little while slightly fewer, 42%, think it will go down.

The April 14-28 poll was conducted just prior to the Commerce Department's...