Poll shows Americans' pessimism on economy growing

A gloomy outlook on the economy extends across party lines, a new Associated Press-GfK poll has found, and handling the nation's economy remains President Barack Obama's biggest challenge in his bid for a second term.

Almost two-thirds of Americans disapprove of the president's handling of gas prices, a new high. That shift comes despite a steady decline in gas prices in recent weeks.

The public tilts negative on the president's handling of the overall economy, and just 22 percent say the economy improved in the past month.

Democrats remain more optimistic about the economy than independents or Republicans, but even among Obama's partisans, the share hopeful for improvement has declined since February.

The president's overall ratings remain positive. Fifty-three percent approve of his handling of the presidency.