Americans’ confidence in economy on upswing

“Confidence could keep going up. Or people could take a more waitand-see attitude. There will be a lot of changes and people will want to see those changes and make up their minds.”

The Gallup poll emphasized that it’s not just Americans who are feeling more optimistic since the election. Potential U.S. economic growth could have significant effects worldwide, and many foreign investors have played a role in U.S. markets skyrocketing since the election.

“While the election’s results may have improved Americans’ outlook on the economy, favorable market conditions may have driven their confidence further upward,” according to the Gallup report. “But two weeks of positive index readings on the heels of [Mr. Trump’s] unexpected victory reveals a degree of economic confidence Americans have not expressed since the recession.”

The Dow Jones closed above 19,000 on Thursday for the first time in its 120-year history.

Financial adviser P.J. DiNuzzo, chief investment officer for DiNuzzo Index Advisors in Beaver, said capital markets are predicting potential benefits of favorable legislation or executive orders generated by Mr. Trump.

“The market is a short- to intermediate-term pricing mechanism,”Mr. DiNuzzo said. “It appears there is a consensus at this time that the Trump presidency will enhance overall economic growth.”