Most Americans think current economy benefits rich - poll

Roughly seven-in-ten Americans, 69%, say today's economy is helping wealthy people, according to a survey published Wednesday.

The Pew Research Center's latest poll revealed that a majority of lower-income Americans show discontent with the economic policy of U.S. President Donald Trump, however, the unemployment rate is near a 50-year low, consumer spending is strong and the stock market is delivering solid returns for investors.

While public assessments of the economy differ significantly by income, the majority of upper-income and middle-income Americans say "current economic conditions are excellent or good."

"Views of the economy are strongly linked to partisanship, with Republicans and independents who lean toward the Republican Party much more likely than their Democratic and Democratic-leaning counterparts to have a positive view of the current economy," the survey said.

"In fact, lower-income Republicans are roughly four times as likely as those in the upper-income tier to give the economy an only fair or poor rating," it added.

When asked how economic conditions are affecting them and their families, nearly, 46%, say they are being hurt, 31% say they are being helped and 22% say they do not see much of an impact.

According to the survey, Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say economic conditions are hurting their families overall, but views differ significantly by income within parties.

Wages and income, availability of jobs and the cost of health care are among "the most prominent factors that affecting Americans' assessments and people's financial situations."

"[Fifty-one percent] say wages have a great deal of impact on their household finances, and 43% say the same about health care costs. The overall job situation is seen as less personally relevant," the survey found. "Instead, 45% say consumer prices have a large impact on their own financial health."

While 65% of lower-income, 35% of middle income and 14% of upper-income Americans say they worry almost daily about paying their bills.

Pew Research Center's results are based on online interviews conducted Sept. 16-29, with a random sample of 6,878 adults.