Is the economy the issue, or is the problem with America's perception?

Americans are down about the economy despite many positive economic metrics — but are their perceptions correct?

This holiday season, politics at the dinner table should probably be avoided. 

However, there is a good chance the economy will be brought up by someone in your family. 

If that family member mentions how expensive things have become or how the economy is bad, they wouldn't be alone.

A survey from Fannie Mae in November found that 78% of Americans believe the economy is on the wrong track.

But is it? Or, is the real problem Americans' perception of the economy?