With 2023 and the “recession that cried wolf” behind us, consumer sentiment around the economy remains polarized based on political leanings. From November to December 2023, Forrester saw concerns surrounding the waning economy as well as optimism around the 2023 holiday spending season. While US online adults across different political affiliations share almost the same level of optimism for their personal finances in the long term, they remain divided when it comes to the macro direction of the economy. Looking ahead, marketers should consider the fluctuations in consumer sentiment as the economy takes center stage of this election year.