Poll shows U.S. consumers are pessimistic

Angus Reid Public Opinion said a recent online poll of 1,008 U.S. consumers found 83 percent of the respondents indicated the national economy "is in bad shape."

"Americans continue to have a glum view of their economy but there are some signs of optimism," researchers wrote.

Among U.S. consumers, only 4 percent indicated their own personal finances were in "very good" shape, while 35 percent indicated their personal situations were "good."

Only 3 percent indicated the recession was over, researchers said.

If handed $1,000, what would you do?

On average, U.S. consumers indicated they would spend $323 to pay down debt, $243 on day-to-day expenses, such as groceries and gas, and tuck $214 into a savings account.

Consumers indicated $152 would be spent on big purchases and personal items and $69 would be spend on stocks and mutual funds.

Copyright 2010 United Press International, Inc. (UPI).