Fri Sep 20 13:14:21 UTC 2024: ## Trump’s Economic Edge Over Harris Shrinks, But Americans Still See Him as More Financially Beneficial

**WASHINGTON** – While the U.S. economy remains a key issue heading into the upcoming election, the gap between the two presidential candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, on who is better equipped to handle it has narrowed, according to recent polls.

Although a New York Times and Siena College poll found 54% of respondents trust Trump to lead the economy compared to 41% for Harris, other polls suggest a tighter race. An Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll showed only a 2% advantage for Trump (43% to 41%), while a Financial Times and University of Michigan survey found 44% favoring Harris and 42% for Trump.

Despite the narrowing gap, Americans still perceive Trump as more beneficial to their personal finances, according to the Financial Times poll. 40% believe Trump would leave them better off financially, compared to 35% for Harris. This echoes a previous CNBC survey which found 40% of respondents thought Trump would improve their financial situation, while only 21% favored Harris.

Trump’s economic plan largely focuses on deregulation in energy and finance, emphasizing lower inflation during his presidency compared to Biden’s, and implementing significant tariffs on Chinese goods. While both Trump and Biden presided over strong economic performance with low unemployment, robust stock markets, and steady growth, the impact of the president on the U.S. economy is often more complex and less direct than public perception suggests.

Strategists believe that sectors like banking and oil production could see a boost under Trump, while companies heavily reliant on manufacturing in Taiwan or sales in China might suffer due to his policies.

Despite the varying perceptions of the candidates’ economic policies, the debate on who is better equipped to handle the U.S. economy continues, with voters closely watching the unfolding economic landscape as they make their decision in the upcoming election.

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