More than a decade after the 9/11 terror attacks, Americans rank international terrorism as the greatest threat to the U.S. in the next 10 years, along with Iran’s development of nuclear weapons. Majorities also perceive Islamic fundamentalism, the conflict between North and South Korea, and China’s economic power as critical […] Read more »
Uneasy Days for the Economy
Listening the other day to discouraging economic forecasts from Alan Greenspan and Larry Summers, I was reminded of the many polls showing that Americans worry their children won’t have the same opportunities they did. To be clear, neither the former Fed chairman nor the former Treasury secretary was predicting recessions […] Read more »
Confidence Improves as Americans Grow More Upbeat About Economy
Consumer sentiment improved for a third straight week as Americans were more upbeat about the economy than at any time in the past six months. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index (COMFCOMF) climbed to a seven-week high of minus 28.6 in the period ended Feb. 23 from minus 30.6. CONT. Jeanna […] Read more »
G.O.P., Though Deeply Split, Has Election Edge, Poll Shows
Republicans are in a stronger position than Democrats for this year’s midterm elections, benefiting from the support of self-described independents, even though the party itself is deeply divided and most Americans agree more with Democratic policy positions, the latest New York Times/CBS News poll shows. The independents in the poll […] Read more »
Most Americans disappointed in Obama’s presidency, poll says
Amid continued pessimism about the economy and direction of the country, 59 percent of Americans say they are disappointed in Mr. Obama’s presidency (including 37 percent who are very disappointed); 40 percent are satisfied. Much of this discontent comes from Republicans and independents, but a quarter of Democrats express at […] Read more »
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Declines Moderately
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had increased in January, fell moderately in February. The Index now stands at 78.1 (1985=100), down from 79.4 in January. The decline was driven by the Expectations Index, which dropped to 75.7 from 80.8. The Present Situation Index, by contrast, climbed from 77.3 […] Read more »