For many Americans, the year appears to be ending on a positive note with the nation's economy showing signs of improvement.
Most, however, remain cautiously optimistic about the approaching New Year and the economic problems that remain.
A new Associated Press poll shows Americans are hopeful that 2012 will be a good year.
- Sixty-two percent of those polled believe 2012 will be a positive year for the nation.
- More than 78 percent say it will be a good year for their family.
- Overall, 68 percent described 2011 as a bad year and 29 percent felt it was a good one.
- Only 11 percent of those polled think 2012 will be worse.
The Associated Press-GfK Poll was conducted Dec. 8-12 by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Corporate Communications. Pollsters interviewed 1,000 adults by landline and cellphone. The survey has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
--Published Dec. 29, 2011.