Business

Americans Are More Confident Their Homes Have Increased in Value

Already more optimistic about the future value of their home, homeowners are also more confident about its current value.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 84% of American Homeowners are at least somewhat confident that they know how much their home is worth in today’s market, in line with recent surveys. Just 12% are not confident that they know their home’s worth. This includes 46% who are Very Confident and three percent (3%) who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 670 American Homeowners was conducted on January 16-17, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Voters Think Obama’s Plan Makes More Middle Class Taxes Likely

President Obama in his State of the Union address last night proposed $320 billion in tax increases on the wealthiest Americans including raising capital gains and inheritance taxes in an effort to pay for initiatives he says will benefit lower- and middle-class taxpayers. Democrats overwhelmingly support the president’s plan, but most voters suspect it will lead to more taxes on the middle class as well.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of all Likely U.S. Voters favor the tax increases the president is proposing, while 41% are opposed. Ten percent (10%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 Likely Voters was conducted on January 19-20, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Confidence in America’s Banks Is Up, Too

Americans are starting 2015 off with their most positive view of the country’s banking system since before the Wall Street meltdown.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking system, including 10% who are Very Confident. This overall finding is up 10 points from the 2014 low found in December. It is the highest finding since July 2008 before the Wall Street meltdown and the federal bailout of the financial system.

Thirty-two percent (32%) are still not confident in the stability of the banking industry, with seven percent (7%) who are Not At All Confident. The overall finding is down 12 points from December and is the lowest finding in nearly seven years. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 18-19, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Confidence in Housing Market Jumps to New Highs

More homeowners than ever believe their home will be worth more in the future than it is today.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of American Homeowners say the value of their home will go up over the next year, up four points from the previous high of 40% in November and the highest level of short-term optimism in regular surveying since the spring of 2009. Just 10% think their home’s value will go down over the next 12 months, a new low. Forty-three percent (43%) say it will stay about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 670 American Homeowners was conducted on January 16-17, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Cash No Longer Reigns Supreme

Paper or plastic? A common question at the grocery store might now refer to your wallet rather than your shopping bags.

Over half (53%) of American Adults now say they’ve gone an entire week without paying for anything with cash or coins, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That’s up from 49% a year ago and 43% in 2012. Thirty-nine percent (39%) have not, down six points from 2014. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Don't Expect Record Low Gas Prices to Last

Gas prices are hitting near-record lows around the country, but Americans suspect the rock-bottom prices won’t last for long.

Ninety percent (90%) of American Adults say they are paying less for a gallon of gas than six months ago, but 69% think it’s at least somewhat likely those prices will go up again over the next six months, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just 19% believe they are unlikely to be paying more in six months' time. These findings include 40% who say it’s Very Likely a gallon of gas will cost more and only three percent (3%) who say it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 10-11, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Ever Lose Credit or Debit Information Online?

President Obama is pushing new legislation that would prod businesses to be more forthcoming when they are hit with an Internet breach, but most Americans who have been affected by such a breach rate the response positively.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 40% of Americans say they have had credit card or debit card information stolen, and 45% of these adults say they have lost this information through a major data breach at a retailer they’ve bought things from. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Still Aren't in a Car-Buying Mood

While several economic indicators suggest the U.S. economy may finally be recovering, car buying doesn't appear to be one of them.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 26% of American Adults say it’s at least somewhat likely they will buy or lease a car in the next year, including 11% who say it's Very Likely. That compares to 27% who intended to do so last year, with 13% who said it was Very Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 10-11, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Support for Long-Term Unemployment Aid Remains Low

As the national unemployment rate continues to drop, most Americans remain opposed to long-term government help for those out of work.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 15% of American Adults think the government should hire those who can't find work after an extended period of time. Eleven percent (11%) think the government should extend unemployment benefits indefinitely for the long-term unemployed. But 34% think the government should pay for their retraining only, while 30% say it should do nothing at all. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 4-5, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Do Government Workers Work Less, Make More?

Americans continue to believe that government employees have it made: They earn more, do less and have more job security.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of American Adults think the average government worker earns more annually than the average private sector employee, up from 46% in November but consistent with surveying for several years. Only 26% disagree, but just as many (24%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 4-5, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Remain Positive About the Jobs Picture

Americans are still feeling better about the job market.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 24% of American Adults think unemployment will be higher a year from today. This is up three points from 21% in November, but that was the lowest level of pessimism in over four years of regular surveying. Now, 30% believe the unemployment rate will be lower in a year's time, the highest finding since March 2013. Thirty-eight percent (38%) say the unemployment situation will be about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 4-5, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

Leading Economic Indicators Back to Pre-2008 Levels

Has the U.S. economy finally turned the corner? Our regular economic indicators suggest that something other than traditional beginning-of-the year optimism is going on.

Daily confidence among consumers and investors as measured by the Rasmussen Reports Consumer and Investor Index has steadily increased over the past several weeks. On Monday, the consumer and investor indexes reached 116 and 132.1 respectively, the highest findings since 2007. While it is generally typical to observe a spike in overall confidence at the start of the year, these are surges not seen since well before the 2008 financial meltdown.

Detailed supplemental information, including a daily history and month-by-month trend data, is available for Platinum Members. 

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

Americans Used Postal Service More This Holiday Season

The U.S. Postal Service was the deliverer of choice for more Americans this holiday season.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 61% of American Adults used the Postal Service about the same as they have in previous years. Sixteen percent (16%) say they used the USPS more this holiday season, while 21% say they used it less. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 28-29, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Debt's Up at Year's End

Americans are ending the year more in debt than they were at the beginning of 2014.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% of American Adults say they owe more money than they did a year ago. That's consistent with findings since the summer but up six points from 23% in mid-January. Thirty-two percent (32%) say they owe less money than they did a year ago, unchanged from the beginning of the year. Thirty-six percent (36%) say they owe just as much now as they did back then. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 16-17, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Most Americans Still Expect Food Prices to Rise

Americans remain worried about inflation but are a bit less pessimistic about rising food prices that they have been in months.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 69% of American Adults are at least somewhat concerned about inflation, down from 74% last month and just below October’s previous all-time low of 70%. Twenty-six percent (26%) are not concerned about inflation. This includes 32% who are Very Concerned and just five percent (5%) who are Not At All Concerned. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 16-17, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Half of Adults Trust America's Banks

With confidence in U.S. banks remaining below levels measure before the 2008 financial meltdown, one-third of Americans fear they will lose their money due to bank failure.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 31% of American Adults are at least somewhat concerned they will lose their money due to a bank failure, down only slightly from November. Sixty-five percent (65%) are not worried about losing their money. This includes eight percent (8%) who are Very Worried and 25% who are Not At All Worried about losing money in a bank failure. These findings are consistent with attitudes for nearly six years. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 16-17, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Still View Home Ownership As Strong Investment

Adults nationwide round out 2014 still believing owning a home is a top investment but remain divided as to whether now’s a good time to sell in their area.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds 55% of American Adults believe that buying a home is the best investment most families can make. That’s generally in line with findings over the past several years  but is the highest level of confidence measured since June. Twenty-five percent (25%) disagree and say home ownership is not the best bet for most families, but 19% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Homeowners Worry A Bit More About Their Mortgage Payments

The number of homeowners who think they are likely to miss or be late on a mortgage payment in the next few months is at its highest level in over a year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 12% of homeowners say they are likely to miss or be late on a house payment in the next six months, up from eight percent (8%) in October and the highest finding since September 2013. This overall finding includes six percent (6%) who think it is Very Likely. But 84% say they are unlikely to miss or be late on a payment, with 60% who say it is Not At All Likely.  (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 637 Adult Homeowners and 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Confidence in Housing Market Shows Little Change

Homeowners remain fairly confident in their home’s short- and long-term value, and most still think it’s worth more than what they owe on their mortgage.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 36% of Adult Homeowners think the value of their home will go up over the next year, down from November’s all-time high of 40%. Twelve percent (12%) believe their home’s value will go down next year, but nearly half (47%) say it will remain about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 637 American Homeowners was conducted on December 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Voters Say Spending Cuts Help the Economy

Following the U.S. House of Representatives' narrow passage of a spending bill hours before deadline, voters continue to believe that cutting government spending - and taxes - is the best present the federal government can give the economy this holiday season.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that increases in government spending hurt the economy. Twenty-six percent (26%) think spending increases help the economy, while seven percent (7%) say it will have no impact. These are all line in with findings from the past few years. Fourteen percent (14%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 9-10, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.