Keeping Track: predicting prosperity

Optimism grows about next generation

Americans are bullish about America's long-term economic future, even if they have doubts about their own near-term financial well-being.

Almost half of Americans say their financial situation is likely to worsen in the next 12 months, a Gallup poll shows. And according to a Lutheran Brotherhood survey, 43 percent of Americans predict an economic downturn this year, up from 23 percent a year ago. Still, 43 percent said someone born this year would be "better off" upon reaching their age, up 5 percent from last year.

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