**Trump's Economic Lead Narrows as Election Approaches: Polls Show**

In the final stretch before Election Day, the economy continues to dominate voters' priorities, with both former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris vying for trust on this critical issue. According to the latest New York Times/Siena College poll, the economy remains the foremost concern for the electorate. However, while Trump traditionally garnered more confidence in handling economic matters, Harris has significantly diminished this lead.

Trump's former 13-point advantage on economic trust reported in a September poll by Times/Siena has now been reduced to a mere six percentage points, reflecting Harris's growing credibility. This shift is notable as Harris contends with the disadvantage of running as vice president under an unpopular administration. Despite some voters attributing their economic woes to President Biden's policies more than to Trump's, Harris has made commendable strides.

Recent polling indicates that although inflation has eased and economic indicators show positive trends, a significant proportion of voters still rate the economy as fair or poor. Economic anxiety appears stubborn, often persisting even as inflation stabilizes, which complicates the public's perception of economic health.

This gain in economic trust for Harris, however, has not outwardly translated into broader national support. The race remains fiercely competitive, with both Harris and Trump each drawing 48 percent of likely voter support in the latest Times/Siena poll. Notably, most growth in Harris's economic trust rating comes from demographics who do not predominantly prioritize the economy above other issues.

A closer examination reveals that Harris’s enhancements are primarily among nonwhite voters, especially those without a college degree. This group, which was split evenly in September, now shows a strong preference for Harris by 26 percentage points regarding economic concerns.

Among the electorate at large, 31 percent identify the economy or inflation as their key voting issue. Following closely, with 15 percent each, are abortion—a topic where Harris holds an advantage—and immigration, where Trump maintains a stronghold.

Trump remains influential among the small undecided or persuadable voter segment, who are three times more likely to prioritize the economy or inflation over abortion, and four times more likely to do so over immigration. With only six days left until the 2024 presidential election, both campaigns are undoubtedly racing against time to sway these critical undecided voters.