Half of all voters in the 10 states that voted for Trump but have Democratic senators say the economy is better off now than it was a year ago, according to new Axios/SurveyMonkey polls. And in nine of the states majorities approve of the GOP tax law. CONT. Alexi McCammond, […] Read more »
Support for Trump’s tariffs even lower than his job approval rating
If President Trump thinks that imposing steep tariffs on steel and aluminum will boost his public support, he is going to be disappointed. After dipping during the Great Recession, public support for international trade has rebounded as unemployment has declined. CONT. William A. Galston, Brookings Institution Read more »
Jobs, wages, higher after-tax pay keeps consumer confidence high
Consumer sentiment has remained at very favorable levels for more than a year. In the February survey, it was just below the October 2017 peak of 100.7, the highest level since 2004, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. CONT. U. of Michigan Read more »
The Economy Is Improving, but It’s Not Helping the GOP’s Image
Despite all the challenges facing Republicans in the upcoming midterm election, the one thing that gives them hope for retaining their majorities in Congress is the economy. And, with good reason. We’ve got low unemployment, signs of real wage growth, improving perceptions of the tax law, and surging consumer confidence. […] Read more »
Trump, GOP Fall Back to Earth
This is turning out to be a fascinating midterm election, pitting the Democratic wave against the Republican seawall. Historic midterm voting patterns combined with national, state, and district-level polling data and off-year election results are combining to make a strong case for a classic midterm wave—obviously not what Republicans want […] Read more »
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Increased in February
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® increased in February, following a modest increase in January. The Index now stands at 130.8 (1985=100), up from 124.3 in January. CONT. Conference Board Read more »