Many feel American dream out of reach, poll shows

New York

DESPITE an improving economy and jobs picture, Americans are more pessimistic than they were after the 2008 financial crisis that it is possible to work hard and become rich, according to a New York Times poll.

The poll, which explored opinions on a wide range of economic and financial issues, found that only 64 per cent of respondents said they still believed in the American dream, the lowest result in roughly two decades. Even near the depth of the financial crisis in early 2009, 72 per cent of Americans still believed that hard work could result in riches.