Americans most concerned about unemployment, inflation

Americans are very concerned that inflation will rise and unemployment will remain high. 

Although the Federal Open Market Committee expects inflation to remain stable in the near future, 55 percent of people say they are very concerned about inflation climbing, while 29 percent are "somewhat concerned," according to a Gallup poll released Monday. 

Inflation rose slightly in March but not enough to warrant any concern from the Federal Reserve. In the past 12 months, prices are up a modest 1.3 percent, including food and energy.

A majority of respondents, regardless of annual salary, said they are very concerned about inflation -- 61 percent for those making $30,000 a year or less, 55 percent between $30,000 and $75,000 and 50 percent for those making more than $75,000 a year. 

When broken down by political party, 62 percent of Republicans are very concerned with independents second at 58 percent and Democrats third at 44 percent. 

When asked about economic conditions, 68 percent say unemployment is their biggest concern with inflation, a rise in interest rates (45 percent) and a falling stock market (35 percent) as the remaining worries for consumers. 

Economists and White House advisers, including Larry Summers, director of the National Economic Council, have said unemployment is likely to stay at high levels for the foreseeable future. The 9.7 percent jobless rate is expected to hold in place when job numbers are announced Friday.