One of many questions that arises in contemplation of a pending and potential shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security is the impact this would have on public opinion. … This is the potential shutdown of a small portion of the federal government, rather than the entire government as happened […] Read more »
Americans Feel Slightly Better About Finances Than a Year Ago
Despite the upbeat economic news in recent months and the rise in Americans’ overall economic confidence, slightly less than half of Americans say they are feeling “pretty good” about the amount of money they have to spend. This is, however, by a slight margin, the highest level Gallup has measured […] Read more »
Views of Job News Turn Much More Positive Over Past Year
For the first time since the end of the recession in 2009, a greater share of the public is hearing mostly good news (28%) than bad news (22%) about the job situation. Nearly half (47%) say they are hearing a mix of good and bad news. CONT. Pew Read more »
Economic Confidence Index Highest in Minn., Lowest in W. Va.
Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index scores in 2014 were highest in Minnesota — the only state with a non-negative score — followed by Maryland, California and Hawaii. Scores were lowest in West Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky and Mississippi. CONT. Justin McCarthy, Gallup Read more »
Anxiety and Interest Rates: How Uncertainty Is Weighing on Us
Anxiety and uncertainty are weighing on individuals even where the overall economy is growing. Some of this angst is the fallout from advances in information technology. … Along with this enormous problem is the psychic cost of growing income inequality. Poor people, who see themselves slipping further and further behind, […] Read more »
Consumer Comfort in U.S. Declines From Highest Level Since 2007
Consumer confidence declined last week from the highest level in more than seven years as Americans’ attitudes about their finances ebbed with the stock market. While the Bloomberg weekly index of consumer comfort fell to 45.5 in the period ended Feb. 1 from 47.3, it was still the second-best reading […] Read more »