Why Do Optimistic Economic Forecasts Often Differ from Public Sentiment? As 2025 ends, gas prices have fallen to a national average of around $2.85 per gallon—the lowest in years—while egg prices have dropped to about $2.86 per dozen after earlier highs from supply disruptions. 📉🛒 Unemployment stands at 4.6%, with steady growth avoiding recession. Yet polls show many Americans feel ongoing affordability pressures, rating the economy negatively despite positive indicators like lower energy and