General Business

35% Think U.S. Government Should Consider Selling the Postal Service

The U.S. Postal Service has been plagued with financial problems for years, but fewer adults now believe the federal government should sell the Postal Service. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 35% of American Adults think the U.S. government should consider selling the Postal Service to a private company in order to reduce the federal budget deficit. But that's down from 40% in 2011. Forty-eight percent (48%) oppose such sale, while 17% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 28-29, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

52% Still Expect Higher Interest Rates A Year From Now

Most Americans feel that today’s interest rates are about the same as they were one year ago, but they expect to be paying higher rates a year from now.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 52% of American Adults think interest rates will be higher in a year. That’s down six points from September which was the highest level of pessimism since early 2011. From July 2009 to early May 2011, this finding generally remained in the mid-to-high 50s but has been mostly in the 40s over the past couple years.

Just three percent (3%) expect lower rates this time next year, however, while 32% think rates will stay about the same. Thirteen percent (13%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on November 14-15, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

42% Are Confident Fed Can Keep Inflation, Interest Rates Down

As the country awaits the likely confirmation of Janet Yellen as the new Federal Reserve Board chairman, confidence in the Fed’s ability to control interest rates and inflation remains low. But Americans are less pessimistic about rising grocery prices.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 42% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident that the Fed can keep interest rates down and inflation under control, but that includes just 11% who are Very Confident. Fifty-two percent (52%) lack that confidence, with 18% who are Not Confident At All. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on November 14-15, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

52% Are Confident in Stability of U.S. Banking System

Confidence in the stability of U.S. banks is over 50% for the fourth time this year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 52% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry today, but that includes just 11% who are Very Confident. Forty-three percent (43%) don’t share that confidence, with 13% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 14-15, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

26% View Fed Nominee Janet Yellen Favorably, 35% Don’t Know Who She Is

One is the nation’s most influential banker; the other is about to take over that job. Yet both are unknowns to a sizable number of Americans.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 30% of American Adults have a favorable opinion of Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, while 41% view him unfavorably. This includes eight percent (8%) with a Very Favorable opinion and 19% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 6-7, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

74% Want to Audit the Federal Reserve

Americans still overwhelmingly favor a public audit of the Federal Reserve, perhaps in part because a sizable number think the Fed chairman has too much power over the economy.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 74% of American Adults favor auditing the Federal Reserve and making the results available to the public. Just 10% oppose such an audit, but 16% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on November 6-7, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

24% Say Stock Market Will Be Stronger in a Year

Few Americans believe the stock market will be higher in the near future. A plurality also still thinks housing prices will take more than three years to recover.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 24% of American Adults think the stock market will be higher than it is a year from now. Just as many (23%) believe the market will be lower. Thirty-six percent (36%) think it will be about the same. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure. (To see question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 25-26, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

41% Say Economy Will Be Weaker in a Year, 33% Say Stronger

Americans remain pessimistic about the economy's recovery over the next year but continue to have slightly higher hopes for five years from now.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 33% of American Adults believe the U.S. economy will be stronger in a year's time, consistent with findings for the past year. But 41% think the economy will be weaker a year from now, also showing little change over the past few months but down from a recent high of 50% in November 2012. Nineteen percent (19%) expect the economy to remain the same. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 25-26, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

33% Say Financial Industry Bailouts Good for U.S.

Five years after the Wall Street meltdown, nearly half of voters still believe the government bailouts of the financial industry were a bad move, while one-in-three think they were a good idea.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 33% of Likely U.S. Voters feel the government bailouts of the financial sector were good for America. Forty-eight percent (48%) say they were bad for the country. Eighteen percent (18%) aren't sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on October 24-25, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

53% Think More Competition, Less Regulation Better for U.S. Financial System

Americans aren't impressed with the federal government's current regulation of the U.S. financial system and think less regulation is the better way to go. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 12% of American Adults consider the federal government's oversight of the banking industry as good or excellent. Forty-two percent (42%) rate this oversight as poor. (To see survey question wording, click here).

Just One Day Left! Sign up for Rasmussen Reader subscription through December 31, 2014 for just $24.95. Offer expires October 16, 2013. 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The national telephone survey of 1000 American Adults was conducted by Rasmussen Reports from October 7-8, 2013. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

64% Think Spending Cuts Best for Economy

Voters remain closely divided over how involved the government should get in the economy, but they continue to believe strongly that cutting spending is the best economic course to follow. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters are more worried that the government will do too much in reacting to current economic problems. Slightly more (47%) worry that the government won’t do enough. Eleven percent (11%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special offer: A Rasmussen Reader subscription that lasts through December 31, 2014 is now just $24.95. Sign up today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Voters Question Fed’s Independence

With a change of leadership pending, voters remain skeptical of the Federal Reserve’s independence and continue to think the nation’s central bank is overly influenced by the president and big bankers.

Forty-two percent (42%) of Likely U.S. Voters now have at least a somewhat favorable opinion of the Federal Reserve, while 48% view it unfavorably, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. This includes 11% with a Very Favorable opinion and 19% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer : Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

58% Expect Higher Interest Rates Next Year

Most Americans continue to expect higher interest rates in a year’s time, while the number already paying higher rates remains at a high.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 58% of American Adults think interest rates will be higher in a year. That’s up two points from August and the highest level of pessimism since early 2011. From July 2009 to early May 2011, this finding generally remained in the mid-to-high 50s but stayed in the 40s over the past couple years. 

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!  

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 15-16, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

36% Are Confident Fed Can Keep Inflation, Interest Rates Down

As the conversation heats up over who will be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, confidence in the system’s ability to keep inflation under control remains low. 

Just 36% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident that the Federal Reserve Board can keep interest rates down and inflation under control, including six percent (6%) who are Very Confident. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 58% lack that confidence, with 17% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 15-16, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

50% Lack Confidence in Stability of U.S. Banking Industry

Five years after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, half of Americans still lack confidence in the stability of the nation’s banking system. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of American Adults say they are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry, but that includes only seven percent (7%) who are Very Confident.  Fifty percent (50%) lack confidence in the banking industry today, with 14% who are Not At All Confident.  (To see survey question wording, click here.) 

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on September 15-16, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

25% Say U.S. Job Market Better Than Year Ago, 31% Say Worse

Americans are more pessimistic about the U.S. job market than they've been all year. 

Only 25% of American Adults now believe the job market is better than it was a year ago, down from 29% in late June but comparable to findings a year ago. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 31% believe the job market is worse today than it was a year ago, a five-point jump from 26% in June and the highest finding since December. In August of last year, though, 44% thought the job market was worse. Forty percent (40%) now say the job market's about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The surveys of 1,000 Adults each were conducted on September 1-2, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error for each survey is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

56% Expect Higher Interest Rates In a Year

Most Americans continue to expect higher interest rates next year as the number who say they are paying higher rates than last year is at a recent high.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of American Adults think interest rates will be higher in a year, the highest level of pessimism in over two years. From July 2009 to early May 2011, this finding generally remained in the mid-to-high 50s but stayed in the 40s over the past couple years.

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

Most Americans continue to expect higher interest rates next year as the number who say they are paying higher rates than last year is at a recent high.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of American Adults think interest rates will be higher in a year, the highest level of pessimism in over two years. From July 2009 to early May 2011, this finding generally remained in the mid-to-high 50s but stayed in the 40s over the past couple years. 

Just five percent (5%) expect lower rates in a year, while one-in-four (26%) expects them to stay about the same, the lowest since February 2011.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)  

How did you do in this week’s Rasmussen Challenge? Check the leaderboard.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 21-22, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

80% Are Paying More For Groceries Than a Year Ago

Most Americans are still paying more for groceries than they were last year and remain concerned about inflation.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 80% of American Adults now say they are paying more for groceries today than they were a year ago. Only 12% say they are paying less. These findings have changed little in recent years, though the number reporting higher grocery bills is at its lowest since July 2010. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer:  Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

44% Confident In Stability of U.S. Banking System

Fewer Americans are confident in the banking industry this month, and more are worried about losing their money due to bank failure.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry today, including just eight percent (8%) who are Very Confident. Fifty-one percent (51%) are not confident in the stability of the industry, including 13% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer:  Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

Win an iPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge! 

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available onFacebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on August 18-19, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

71% Say Government Helps Politically Connected Businesses, Hurts Those That Are Not

Most voters do not believe there is a level playing field when it comes to businesses that have ties to the political elite. Seventy-one percent (71%) of Likely U.S. Voters say the federal government helps businesses that are politically connected and hurts those that are not, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey.  Just 13% think the government treats all businesses the same, while 16% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Special Offer: Rasmussen Reader is now just $24.95 for a subscription through December 31, 2014. Sign up today!

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. 

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on August 13-14, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.