The gavel has been struck on what has been widely judged to be the least productive session of Congress in history, and now a new one with few, if any, expectations of improvement has commenced. It used to be that this first week of a session was filled with expectations—some […] Read more »
Young and Restless: How Millennials Have Already Reshaped Politics
Almost every week provides more evidence of the political system bending toward the cultural preferences of the massive millennial generation. But evidence is accumulating just as quickly of the system’s failure to respond to its economic needs. CONT. Ron Brownstein, National Journal Read more »
Consumer Sentiment in U.S. Increased in First Week of 2014
American consumers grew a bit more optimistic at the start of the year, with their outlooks on the economy improving to a more than three-month high. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index advanced to minus 28.4 in the period ended Jan. 5 from minus 28.7. CONT. Jeanna Smialek, Bloomberg Read more »
U.S. Economic Indicators Improve in 2013
Three key Gallup consumer-based measures of the U.S. economy showed overall growth in 2013, despite monthly fluctuations. Gallup’s U.S. Economic Confidence Index averaged -16 for 2013, up five points from 2012; its Job Creation Index averaged +20, up two points from 2012; and average daily self-reported spending increased to $88, […] Read more »
Bridging the Compassion Gap
What’s going on with John Boehner, the speaker of the House? … Why would an improving economy encourage John Boehner to be more receptive to extended unemployment benefits and liberalized immigration policies – and courageous enough to stiff-arm his party’s right wing? To answer that question requires a look at […] Read more »
Economic Confidence Improved Again in December
Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index improved to -19 in December from -25 in November, and is now much higher than the -35 found in October amid the federal government shutdown. CONT. Alyssa Brown, Gallup Read more »