Americans were more positive last week about the economy than at any point since September 2008, though negative attitudes still prevailed.

Gallup’s economic confidence index rose to -16 for the week ended May 20, an improvement from -18 the previous two weeks and -21 in late April. 

The polling firm attributed the index increase to a rise in survey respondents’ outlook on the economy to -9 from -13 a week earlier. Still, 52% of respondents still said the economy is getting worse, compared to 43% who said it’s getting better.

Assessment of current conditions, the other portion of the index, remained unchanged from a net reading of -23.

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The economic confidence index rose in all three party affiliations measured by Gallup to 14 for Democrats, -17 for Independents and -42 for Republicans.

— Andrew Scoggin