Hawaii residents reported the highest wellbeing in the U.S. in 2018, reaching the top spot for the seventh time since Gallup began tracking wellbeing in 2008. Hawaii and Colorado have ranked among the top 10 states in wellbeing for the 11th consecutive year, the only two states to do so. […] Read more »
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Rebounded in February
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® increased in February, following a decline in January. The Index now stands at 131.4 (1985=100), up from 121.7 in January. … “Consumer Confidence rebounded in February, following three months of consecutive declines,” said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. […] Read more »
Market Expectations About Climate Change
An emerging literature examines how agents update their beliefs about climate change. Most studies have relied on indirect belief measures or opinion polls. We analyze a direct measure: prices of financial products whose payouts are tied to future weather outcomes. … When money is at stake, agents are accurately anticipating […] Read more »
Ahead of 2020, warning signs grow for historic economy
Through the first two years of his presidency, Donald Trump has had one very reliable ally: an excellent economy. Now, as the presidential campaign approaches, there are growing questions about what the economic landscape may look like in November 2020. By some measures, the nation’s economic outlook is positively sunny, […] Read more »
Confidence in the Economy Has Faded. Will It Rebound?
The government shutdown and the late 2018 stock market tumult eroded confidence in the economy among business owners and consumers alike last month. Now that the stock market has rallied and the government has reopened, will optimism about the economy rebound, or is the recent slide an indication of a […] Read more »
Trump Approval, Economic Confidence Rebound
President Donald Trump’s job approval rating has risen to 44% after the conclusion of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. While views of Trump have improved, the public’s heightened positivity does not extend to views of Congress, as its 21% approval rating is essentially unchanged from January. CONT. Megan […] Read more »