The Consumer Sentiment Index reached the highest level since 2004, and the Current Conditions Index set a new peak, dating back to the mid-1940s, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Importantly, all of the March gain was among households with incomes in the bottom third; those in […] Read more »
Americans Want Government to Do More on Environment
The majority of Americans say protection of the environment should be a priority, even at the risk of curbing economic growth, and believe the U.S. government is not doing enough to protect the environment. About three-quarters support spending more government money on solar and wind power, and support higher emissions […] Read more »
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Declined in March
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® decreased in March, following an increase in February. The Index now stands at 127.7 (1985=100), down from 130.0 in February. The Present Situation Index decreased from 161.2 to 159.9, while the Expectations Index declined from 109.2 last month to 106.2 this month. CONT. Conference […] Read more »
Trump’s approval rating dips amid opposition to tariffs and little change from tax cuts, CNBC survey says
While nearly all financial indicators of American economic optimism have surged to post-recession highs, President Donald Trump’s approval rating has dipped amid opposition to his tariffs and little effect seen so far from the tax cuts. CONT. Steve Liesman, CNBC Trump’s approval rating stable yet low: CNBC survey from CNBC. Read more »
Americans Rate China, U.S. as Leading Economic Powers
Forty-two percent of Americans consider the U.S. to be the world’s leading economic power — a higher figure than at any time since 2008. This essentially matches the 44% who say it is China, which had been the clear leader from 2011 to 2016. The percentage naming the U.S. is […] Read more »
Positive Views of Economy Surge, Driven by Major Shifts Among Republicans
Americans’ views of national economic conditions continue to improve, with the share saying the economy is in good or excellent condition now at its highest point in nearly two decades. The overall rise in positive assessments seen over the last year is driven by the shifting views of Republicans and […] Read more »