Money | economy Economic Hopes On the Rise: Poll Past 2 weeks have seen steady rise in optimism By Matt Cantor Posted Mar 27, 2009 6:39 AM CDT Copied Leroy and Carol Pommrehn of Des Moines, Iowa, shop at the local Target store, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) More Americans appear to have hope that the economy is finally back on track. Over the past two weeks, the percentage of Gallup responders who hold that the economy is getting better has continually increased. From Monday through Wednesday, that percentage—29%—was the highest it’s been since July 2007, USA Today reports. Still, 66% say things are getting worse. But compared to March 9’s survey, the percentage who see things improving has doubled. “There are a number of forces coming together to generate that optimism," said an economist. "Number one, clearly, is the stock market.” Said Gallup’s editor-in-chief: “Attitudes are the easy things to move. Actual real-world change, on retail spending and jobs, I think will follow.” Read These Next GOP Sen. Tillis suggests Pete Hegseth is 'out of his depth.' Los Angeles tunnel collapses with workers inside. Trailer for Ryan Gosling's Project Hail Mary scores a record. Missing teen surfer found alive on uninhabited island. Report an error