Americans say 2014 will bring better economy — but not much better

Americans are feeling a bit optimistic for the new year about gaining some economic stability — but not too much.

A new poll by Fox News reported 54 percent of respondents from all political parties think the economy will improve next year. Last year, only 49 percent felt that way.

Broken down by political party, the numbers are vastly different, however. Of Democrats, 77 percent say the economy next year will be better than now. But of Republicans, only 42 percent say it will be better, or at least the same, while 58 percent see it worsening. And of independents, 50 percent say it will be better – 32 percent, worse.

The poll was conducted by telephone Dec. 14-16. The poll took a sampling of 1,027 registered voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

But the findings contrast with a recent Gallup random sampling, taken Dec. 23-29 of 2,538 adults and completed with a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

The Gallup poll found that 56 percent of those asked said that economy is worsening, compared to 38 percent who said it is getting better.