Fear, fatigue & finances: America's mood heading into 2026

Economic Sentiment - Consumer sentiment in December 2025 decreased by 29% compared to 2024, indicating growing concerns about the economy [1] - Nearly 48% of Americans reported feeling more stressed heading into 2026 than at the beginning of 2025, an increase from 43% the previous year [2] Job Market Dynamics - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a weaker job market in 2025, with fewer jobs added compared to 2024, and ongoing layoffs in the tech sector from companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Intel [6] - A trend of "job hugging" emerged, where 71% of respondents indicated they preferred to stay in their current jobs due to perceived safety in the current economic environment [5][4] Financial Pressures - Respondents cited various pressures contributing to their stress, including high day-to-day expenses, low income, insufficient emergency funds, excessive debt, high healthcare costs, and job insecurity, with healthcare costs and job security concerns rising significantly from the previous year [3] Bankruptcy Trends - There was a notable increase in U.S. bankruptcy filings, with corporate filings reaching the highest level since 2010, reflecting the economic challenges faced by businesses and individuals [7]