U.S. Hispanics remain Hopeful about the Future, but Seeds of Discontent are Prevalent.

A non-partisan study conducted pro bono by Encuesta, Inc. as part of the Americanos Poll® in March 2011 compared the economic perceptions of Hispanics and non-Hispanics trended to measures gathered in November 2009. The findings show that both Hispanics and non-Hispanics agree that the U.S. economy is going in the wrong direction (59% vs. 63%, respectively), and this perception appears to be more prevalent among both population groups than seen in November 2009.

It is generally accepted that Hispanics tend look at the future through a more positive lens compared to non-Hispanics, and these findings indicate that to be the case today as 53% of Latinos surveyed expect to be better off economically or financially a year from now compared to 35% of non-Hispanics. The continued optimism expressed by Hispanics is in sharp contrast to the decline noted among non-Hispanics over the same time period (from 46% in 2009 to 35% today).

However, the study indicates that Hispanics like non-Hispanics are now less optimistic about the direction the United States is headed as well as perceptions related to the future course of the U.S. economy. Some softening on how Latinos view the employment situation is also indicated.

“While Hispanics remain hopeful of their future, it is evident that there is growing disenchantment with the direction that things are headed in similar fashion and magnitude to non-Hispanics” said Martin Cerda, Research Director of Encuesta, Inc. He added “This has important implications as Latinos grow in numbers and influence in communities everywhere.”

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For more details including raw data tabulations and sub-group analysis by key variables of interest, contact Martin Cerda at 305-661-1492.