The Epoch Times
The Epoch Times
AD
The Epoch Times
Support Us
Social Issues

Why People Feel the Economy Is Bad, When Data Show Improvement

The data don’t capture the pain experienced by a large segment of society, experts say.
Why People Feel the Economy Is Bad, When Data Show Improvement
Shoppers at a grocery store in Centreville, Va. on Nov. 2, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times
Petr Svab
Petr Svab
reporter
1/19/2026|Updated: 1/19/2026
0:00

The U.S. economy is either chugging along nicely or seriously struggling, depending on who is asked. The mismatch stems from perception and perspective. While many of the macroeconomic data look benign, they don’t capture the pain experienced by a large segment of society, several experts told The Epoch Times.

At 4.4 percent, unemployment has been only slightly elevated and the median wage growth of 4 percent has more than kept up with 2.7 percent inflation, all according to December data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Petr Svab
Petr Svab
reporter
Petr Svab is a reporter covering New York. Previously, he covered national topics including politics, economy, education, and law enforcement.
twitter
Author’s Selected Articles
What the FBI Is Investigating in Criminal Probe of 2020 Election
Feb 23, 2026
What the FBI Is Investigating in Criminal Probe of 2020 Election
Beijing Uses Fake Western News Sites to Attack Falun Gong, Report Finds
Feb 22, 2026
Beijing Uses Fake Western News Sites to Attack Falun Gong, Report Finds
Mamdani NYC Housing Plan Has Insiders Curious, Skeptical
Feb 02, 2026
Mamdani NYC Housing Plan Has Insiders Curious, Skeptical
Shen Yun Targeted With Fake Bomb and Impersonator Threats
Jan 23, 2026
Shen Yun Targeted With Fake Bomb and Impersonator Threats
Add to My List
Save
The Epoch Times
Copyright © 2000 - 2026 The Epoch Times Association Inc. All Rights Reserved.