New polls show that Americans are increasingly uneasy about the economy amidst stubborn inflation and trade wars, with over 70% of respondents feeling that their personal finances are highlighted.
A CNBC/Surveymonkey poll released Friday found inflation was the leading cause of financial stress among Americans over the past three years, but 66% of respondents said that tariffs are now adding that.
A third of respondents said they saw an increase in net spending over the past year, but nearly a quarter of the net net decline overall, with about 40% not seeing a change.
Last week, President Trump announced a swept rate plan to overhaul US positioning in the global economy, but earlier this week he significantly turned much of the tariff regime.
Trump alternated, saying his goal is to help countries reach a more favorable trade deal with the US or to promote more manufacturing within the country.
However, survey respondents were skeptical of where things were heading.
Half of the survey respondents (43%) said they approved the overall impact on the president's financial situation, while 55% said they disapproved.
Over 70% say they are concerned about the impact of Trump's tariffs, and over half think that the tariffs will ultimately have a negative impact on their personal finances.
Americans are also split over whether tariffs will increase manufacturing jobs, with 37% saying they believe Trump's efforts will promote more manufacturing jobs in the United States, while around 38% say they don't believe the strategy is effective.
We were specifically asked about what they were trying to spend less money: 59% said food. 51% said Entertainment. 50% said clothing and personal items. 47% said they travel. 41% said their hobbies.
CNBC/Surveymonkey voted 4,200 American adults on its online panel from April 3-7. The margin for error is 1.5% points.
