Discover (R) U.S. Spending Monitor (SM) up 2.6 Points in August
The Discover U.S. Spending Monitor rose 2.6 points in August to 87.8, the largest ever month-over-month increase in the Monitor's index history, and its highest reading of 2008.
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Most Recent Releases
September 4, 2008
September 2, 2008
Rasmussen Employment Index Up Three Points Fueled by Improved Personal Finances
The Rasmussen Employment Index, a monthly measure of U.S. worker confidence in the employment market, gained three points in August to 82.2.
August 26, 2008
Democrats Focus on Economy, but Voters Look to Both Parties for Answers
The focus Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention is on economic issues, but voters are evenly divided on which course is best in the current economic climate -- controlling inflation or promoting growth.
August 25, 2008
Small Business Economic Confidence Increases for Second Consecutive Month
Small business owners' economic confidence rose for the second straight month in August, climbing away from a 22-month low in June as their concerns about the state of the overall economy improved.
August 19, 2008
85% of Adults Are Concerned About Inflation; 38% Fear Raising Interest
Eighty-five percent (85%) of adults are at least somewhat concerned about inflation these days, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
August 12, 2008
62% Support Social Security Taxes on All or Most of Income
The majority of voters nationwide (62%) believe individuals should pay Social Security taxes on most or all of their incomes. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 25% of voters disagree.
August 7, 2008
Discover(R) U.S. Spending Monitor(SM) Flat in July
The Discover U.S. Spending Monitor was virtually flat in July, rising just one-tenth of a point to 86.1, as a rise in economic confidence among consumers during the last week of July kept the Monitor from falling to a new low.
July 29, 2008
Rasmussen Employment Index Suggests Labor Market a Little Less Bleak in July
Workers’ confidence in the labor markets stabilized in July after falling to a record low in June. The Rasmussen Employment Index moved up a point to 79.5 in July from 78.6 the month before.
July 28, 2008
Small Business Economic Confidence Rebounds after Record-Low
After sinking to its lowest level in June, economic confidence among small business owners rebounded in July, as the number of those who said they are experiencing cash flow issues decreased significantly and general economic confidence began trending upward.
July 22, 2008
84% Worry About High Inflation in the Year Ahead
The vast majority of Americans share the concern of senior Federal Reserve Board officials that inflation is a very real threat in the year ahead, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national survey.
July 21, 2008
Most Americans Confident About U.S. Banking System
Nearly seven out of 10 Americans (68%) are confident in the stability of the U.S. banking system, even as Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson says more banks in this country are likely to fail.
July 21, 2008
50% say Media Makes Economy Look Worse Than it Really Is
Only 34% of Americans believe the United States has the world’s best economy, but 50% believe the media makes economic conditions appear worse than they really are, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.
July 15, 2008
72% Say Gas Prices Biggest Threat to Economy
Americans overwhelmingly view the steady rise in oil and gas prices as the most serious problem facing the economy, and little more than a third of them think those prices are likely to be brought under control in the next few years.
July 15, 2008
Tough Economy Pushes Americans to Make Cuts
Americans are cutting their spending and savings habits, but they are not yet resorting to additional debt to get through tough financial times. The new COUNTRY Financial survey shows most people are stopping short of tapping into credit and existing savings to make ends meet, despite the fact that nearly three in four Americans (73 percent) think their financial security will not improve this year.
July 14, 2008
Only 7% of Americans Rate Their Workplace as Hostile
Americans workers may feel a bit frustrated and unsettled these days with the state of the economy, but they still overwhelmingly rate the place they work as largely anger-free.
July 11, 2008
Discover ® U.S. Spending Monitor (SM) Down Nearly a Point in June
The Discover U.S. Spending Monitor fell nearly a point in June to 85.9, as consumers struggled with rising prices for essentials and continued to lose confidence in the nation’s economy. Economic confidence hit a new Monitor low, falling in June to a level that is nearly 30 points lower than a year ago.
July 10, 2008
Americans Favor Cutting Government Spending Over Balancing the Budget
Nearly three out of five Americans (58%) say cutting government spending is more important than balancing the budget, and 43% think such spending cuts will help the struggling U.S. economy.
July 10, 2008
Only 21% Support Federal Help for Those Facing Foreclosure
As the Senate inches toward passage of a $300 billion bill to help homeowners facing foreclosure, a new Rasmussen Reports national survey shows that only 21% of voters think the federal government should provide such assistance.
July 8, 2008
Most Americans Say Balanced Budget Good for Economy but Question if McCain Can Achieve it by 2013
Seven out of 10 Americans (70%) think a balanced budget is good for the economy, but nearly as many (64%) believe it unlikely that John McCain can achieve such a budget by 2013 as he has promised.
July 8, 2008
Voters Divided on Whether Tax Policy Should Support Growth or Fairness
Voters continue to believe that tax cuts are good for the economy and tax hikes are bad, but for many that’s not the most important aspect of tax policy.
