American's predictions for 2026

There's only one thing you can count on for sure. Voldemort is going to irritate you. That's no reason to stuff your gullet. Show some self control!

And stop being so pessimistic!

Americans' Predictions for 2026

Gallup

The Data: Gallup asked U.S. adults to choose which of two opposing outcomes they think is more likely in 2026 across 13 global and domestic matters. At the most optimistic, 55% of Americans say it is more likely the stock market will rise than fall in 2026. At the other extreme, just 10% expect 2026 to be a year of political cooperation rather than conflict.

Full List: Although public attitudes are mixed or lean pessimistic on all items measured but the stock market, Americans are relatively less negative about the outlook for labor union strikes, U.S. global power and crime rates. They are strongly pessimistic in forecasting global peace and improvements to the federal budget deficit, taxes and the economy in general.

Half in U.S. Want to Lose Weight

The Data: Just over half of U.S. adults (52%) say they would like to lose weight. Another 37% are content with their current weight, while 10% hope to gain weight.

Gender Gap: Women have consistently outpaced men in their desire to lose weight. The current 12-point gap between women and men in the desire to shed weight aligns with the long-term average since 1951.

Moving the Goal Weight

The Data: U.S. adults now report an average weight of 181 pounds, an increase of 20 pounds since 1990. Meanwhile, their average ideal weight has risen by 16 pounds, from 149 to 165 — maintaining a sizable difference between their actual and ideal weights.

Gender Parity: The increases in average weight since 1990 are 21 pounds for women and 18 for men. Adults' ideal weight targets have risen nearly in step: up 15 for women and 14 for men.