The presidential election fear factor puts economy at risk

What the majority of Americans fear most about the upcoming presidential election is the election itself — and that might be the scariest part of all. A new survey by Bankrate.com found that 61% of Americans believe the election's outcome is the single biggest threat to the U.S. economy, well ahead of such ominous potential threats as terrorism (12%), global economic turmoil (9%), a stock market decline (8%), or an interest-rate hike (5%). “It's a new administration, regardless of who wins, and that's part of the anxiety Americans are feeling,” said Greg McBride, Bankrate's chief financial analyst. The fact that the election outcome, regardless of who wins, has people worrying about the overall economy underscores the unprecedented and unorthodox nature of this presidential election. The survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults was conducted during the first four days of September. It also found that for the first time in 27 months, Americans are feeling a slight decline in their feelings of financial security. “That decline sticks out like a sore thumb,” Mr. McBride said. “That's evidence that the election is undermining consumers' feelings of financial security.” Perhaps illustrating the tightening nature of the presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, the fear factor runs across party lines. At 68%, Republicans feel most threatened by the election, followed by Independents at 61%, and Democrats at 60%.