Trump's economic approval ratings plummet among voters

A new poll shows that President Donald Trump faces growing disapproval regarding his handling of the economy. Nearly half, or 49%, of likely voters now disapprove of his economic performance. This marks a significant increase from January, when 40% expressed similar discontent. The poll, conducted by Echelon Insights for Puck News, reveals that public concern about the economy is rising. It indicates that 49% of voters believe economic conditions are getting worse, up from 39% just two months ago. Only 32% think the economy is improving. Factors contributing to the negative outlook include threats of tariffs and potential government job cuts. These issues have led to a decline in consumer sentiment and raised concerns about rising inflation. Small business owners are feeling uncertain, causing possible cuts in hiring and investment. Furthermore, retail sales showed modest growth recently, but both high-end and low-cost retailers are reporting cautious consumers. Many expect that prices will rise due to tariffs, leading to more conservative spending habits. On a positive note, there was an increase in manufacturing output last month, particularly in car production. However, economists remain cautious, with some lowering their growth forecasts significantly for the year. For instance, Barclays now predicts growth will be only 0.7%, down from a previous estimate of 2.5%. Inflation predictions are also increasing, with Goldman Sachs expecting it to rise to 3% by year-end.