CHICAGO (WLS) — In the aftermath of the election, it became increasingly clear that the issue at the forefront of most American voters’ minds was the state of the economy.

“My biggest concern in this election was probably our economy and the strength of our nation,” said voter Fred Steck.

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“I really made sure it was at the top of the list,” said voter Jared Gwin.

According to preliminary ABC News exit polls, 67% of voters said the economy was in bad shape and 45% said their own financial situation was worse today than it was. four years ago.

“It’s the cost of daycare. The cost of gas. Getting to and from work. How far your money can go. Every family is affected,” said constituent Victoria Kelly.

But some voters say the responsibility doesn’t necessarily lie with the president.

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“I don’t think it’s quite fair. I think corporations have more influence on prices than the government,” said voter Jalyn Jones.

“What happens in the next six or seven months is not based on what the president has done in six or seven months,” said voter Marla Rucker.

After inflation reached its highest level in 40 years in 2022, price increases have slowed to return to a normal pace. But the impact of inflation is more lasting.

“The state of the economy right now is surprisingly good, by any objective measure, but it’s people’s perception of it, and that may be another matter,” said Mark Witte, professor of economics at Northwestern University.

Witte points out that globally, the United States has been more successful than most other countries in bouncing back from the COVID pandemic. According to him, although inflation has impacted the prices of goods, incomes have also increased.

“You know, people see an increase in income as deserved, like, I’ve worked hard. I’m a good worker and I deserve this, and they see an increase in prices, as you know, sort of of stealing that,” he said. .

Just 24 hours after Trump declared victory, markets began to shake off the uncertainty of a turbulent election campaign. The Dow posted its biggest one-day gain in nearly two years.