General Business

Americans See Decline in Economic Opportunity

So far at least, Americans aren’t feeling any boost in economic opportunity from having President Donald Trump back in the White House.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 58% of American Adults say it is possible for anyone who really wants to work to find a job. That’s down from 63% last October, and well below April 2019, when an all-time high of 69% said anyone could find a job. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Inflation: Most Still See High Grocery Prices

A majority of Americans report higher food costs, and inflation continues to impact the nation’s eating habits.

43% Expect Better Economy This Year

A key measure of economic optimism has risen significantly since this time last year

Most Workers Expect Higher Pay Next Year

Has the election of Donald Trump boosted economic optimism? By one measurement, apparently so.

40% Say Their Finances Have Gotten Worse

Americans are about twice as likely to say their financial situation is worse than to say it’s gotten better.

61% Say Homelessness Has Gotten Worse

A solid majority of Americans believe that the country’s homeless problem has gotten worse.

Inflation: Americans Still Seeing Higher Grocery Prices

Four out of five Americans say they’re paying more at the grocery store, and most say inflation has changed how they eat.

Economic Optimism Rises Slightly

More Americans see economic opportunity than they did three years ago, but they’e still not as optimistic as they were when Donald Trump was president.

Housing Market Confidence Still High

After a surge in confidence, homeowners remain optimistic about the resale value of their homes .

Inflation: High Grocery Prices Still Hurt

Americans continue to say they’re feeling the pain of high grocery prices.

36% Think Minimum Wage Should Be $15 or More

Even as California’s high minimum wage is being blamed for business problems there, many Americans say the minimum wage should be more than double what federal law currently requires.

Is DEI Causing Discrimination? Nearly Half Think So

Most Americans don’t think diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) programs are making companies better, and many suspect DEI is being used to justify discrimination against white males.

Quality Matters More Than Values to Most Consumers

For most Americans, quality is still their top priority when shopping.

47% See Their Financial Situation Getting Worse

By a 30-point margin, more Americans say their personal finances have gotten worse than better, and less than a third of them expect their situation to improve in the months ahead.

Inflation Still Taking a Bite Out of Grocery Budgets

Americans are still seeing higher prices at the grocery store, and most have changed their eating habits to deal with the effect of inflation.

The Economy, Stupid: Americans Prioritize Growth Over Fairness

When it comes to economic policy, encouraging growth matters more to Americans than promoting fairness.

Americans Less Worried About Another Great Depression Ahead

Even though most Americans aren’t confident that the stock market will keep rising, they are less worried about economic catastrophe in the near future.

Two-Thirds of Workers Say Incomes Haven’t Kept Up With Inflation

More American workers now say their wages aren’t keeping up with inflation.

Just 34% See Better Economy in 2024

President Joe Biden says the economy is “all good,” but barely a third of Americans expect their financial situation to improve in 2024.

41% Say Their Financial Situation Is Worse

By a 24-point margin, more Americans say their personal finances have gotten worse than better, and only a quarter expect their situation to improve in the months ahead.