General Business

43% Have Gone Through A Week Without Paying Cash

Is America moving toward a cashless society?

Forty-three percent (43%) of American Adults have gone through a full week without paying for anything with cash or coins, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Only slightly more (47%) have not done so. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on April 9-10, 2012 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.

48% Still Question Stability of U.S. Banks

Nearly half (48%) of American Adults continue to lack confidence in the stability of the U.S. banking industry, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

Just as many (47%) do remain at least somewhat confident in the nation's banks. These findings include nine percent (9%) who are Very Confident in the banking industry and 18% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on April 7-8, 2012 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.

New High: 47% Confident Fed Can Control Inflation

While voters remain overwhelmingly concerned about inflation and expect to pay more at the grocery store, they have more confidence than ever that the Federal Reserve Board can keep inflation under control.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident the Fed will be able to keep inflation under control and interest rates down.  That’s up from 41% in early February and the highest level measured since regular tracking began in late July 2009.  Prior to this survey, the number who felt this way has remained in the low to mid 30s for most of 2011 but rose to 40% in December and has remained in the low 40s since.

Forty-eight percent (48%) still lack confidence in the Fed, but that's the first time this finding has fallen believe 50% in nearly three years. The new findings include 11% who are Very Confident in the Fed and 16% who are Not At All Confident.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on March 10-11, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

46% Are Confident in Stability of U.S. Banking System

Confidence in the nation's banks remains well below where it was before the Wall Street meltdown in the fall of 2008, but most Americans still consider them a safe place to keep their money.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry, but that includes just six percent (6%) who are Very Confident. Most adults (51%) continue to lack confidence in America's banks, with 16% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on March 10-11, 2012 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% See U.S. Debt Default As Somewhat Likely

Looking overseas at the catastrophic economic problems plaguing Greece and other European nations, a sizable number of Americans still think the United States is also a candidate for default in the near future. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 42% of American Adults believe it is at least somewhat likely that the U.S. government will default on its debt in the next five years. Forty-eight percent (48%) now rate a national debt default as unlikely. (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 nationwide was conducted on February 29 - March 1, 2012 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.

13% Say U.S. Should Take Bigger Role Helping European Economy

More Americans than ever expect one of the financially troubled European countries to default on its debt in the near future, but few believe the United States should step up its efforts to help the situation. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 75% believe it is at least somewhat likely that that one of the economically troubled European countries like Greece, Ireland, Portugal or Spain will default on its debt in the next five years. (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 nationwide was conducted on February 29 - March 1, 2012 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.

Just 27% Think Government Management Helps Economy

A major partisan divide exists over whether government efforts to manage the economy do more harm than good. Overall, a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 27% of American Adults believe government management helps the economy, while 50% think it hurts. Six percent (6%) say it has no impact, and 17% are not sure. (see question wording)

(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 February 25-26, 2012 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.

46% Say It’s Possible For Any American Seeking Work To Find A Job

Americans are growing a bit more confident that anyone looking for a job can find one, but they still don’t necessarily think anyone who works hard in this country can get rich.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. Adults shows that 46% believe it is possible for anyone who really wants to work to find a job. That’s up only slightly from 44% in November, but it’s the highest level of confidence measured since May 2009. Thirty-seven percent (37%) do not think it’s possible for anyone who wants a job to find employment, down from 42% three months ago and tying the lowest level ever measured. Another 17% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 11-12, 2012 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.

63% Favor Federal Payroll Cuts Over Pay Raises To Help Economy

Given the choice between cutting the federal payroll and giving all federal workers a modest raise, a solid majority of voters say, “Cut!”

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 63% of Likely U.S. Voters believe cutting the federal payroll is better for the economy even as President Obama calls for a small pay hike for federal workers in his latest budget. Eighteen percent (18%) say giving all federal workers a modest raise is the better option, but just as many (19%) 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 Likely Voters nationwide was conducted on February 14-15, 2012 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. 

37% Expect Stronger U.S. Economy A Year From Now

For the first time in over two years, the number of Americans who believe the economy will be stronger one year from now is slightly higher than the number who expect it to be weaker.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. Adults shows that 37% believe the economy will be stronger in one year, up 10 points from November's all-time low of 27%. This finding is the highest measured since September 2010.

Thirty-five percent (35%) expect the U.S. economy to be weaker a year from now, down from 48% last month and the lowest level of pessimism since September 2009. Nineteen percent (19%) predict the economy will be about the same in a year's time. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 11-12, 2012 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.

73% Expect to Be Paying More for Groceries A Year From Now

Despite the Federal Reserve's insistence that inflation is under control, Americans continue to say overwhelmingly that they are paying more for groceries than they were a year ago and they expect to be paying even more a year from now. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 86% of adults think they are paying more for groceries now. That's down two points from last month and consistent with findings since January 2011. Only eight percent (8%) don't believe they are paying more now. (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 nationwide was conducted on February 5-6, 2012 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% Lack Confidence In Stability of U.S. Banking System

Most Americans remain unsure about the state of banks in this country.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry today, but that includes just 10% who are Very Confident.  Most adults (52%), in fact, lack confidence in the country’s banking system, with 15% who are Not At All Confident in it.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on February 5-6, 2012 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.

45% Think Free Trade Good for U.S., 28% Disagree

Call it free trade with limits. Americans still tend to favor free trade agreements with other nations but believe there are some countries that should pay tariffs on the goods they send to the United States. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of American Adults think free trade is good for the U.S. economy. Twenty-eight percent (28%) disagree and think it’s bad for the economy, while 27% more 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 was conducted on January 24-25, 2012 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.

Most Would Choose Foreign Over American If Product Is Better, Cheaper

Adults nationwide still place high importance on buying American-made products, but most would go with a foreign product if it’s cheaper and better than its American counterpart.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 90% of adults say it’s at least somewhat important to buy a product made in America, including 61% who say it’s Very Important. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 24-25, 2012 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.

55% Favor Government Subsidizing U.S. Manufacturing

In President Obama's State of the Union address Tuesday night, he proposed corporate tax credits and tax reductions to encourage an increase in U.S. manufacturing jobs, and a new survey shows a majority of Americans nationwide are on board with the idea.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 55% believe government funds should be used to subsidize manufacturers in the United States through tax credits and other incentives. Thirty-one percent (31%) disagree, while 15% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 24-25, 2012 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.

70% Prefer Free Market to Government-Managed Economy

Americans still put a lot more faith in the private sector than in government when it comes to making the economy work.

Seventy percent (70%) of American Adults think a free market economy is better than one managed by the government. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 15% believe a government-managed economy is better. Fourteen percent (14%) 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 nationwide was conducted on January 14-15, 2012 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% Expect Higher Interest Rates Next Year

Though a majority of Americans say they’re paying the same interest rates as they were last year, half think the rates they’ll be paying a year from now will be higher.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults finds that 50% believe they will be paying higher interest rates one year from now. Only six percent (6%) think interest rates will be lower next year, while 31% expect them to be about the same. Fourteen percent (14%) 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 nationwide was conducted on January 8-9, 2012 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.

39% Say U.S. Has Crony Capitalist System

With Republicans debating Mitt Romney’s record as a venture capitalist, Americans continue to agree that capitalism is better than socialism, but they give mixed marks to the type of capitalism practiced in this country.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% of American Adults now rate capitalism as a better system than socialism. Just 15% think socialism is the better way to go, with another 21% who are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on January 14-15, 2012 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.

72% Still Concerned About Inflation

Concern about inflation remains high but appears to be easing somewhat as Americans show more confidence in the Federal Reserve Board to keep it under control. Still, a sizable majority expects to pay more for groceries in the months ahead.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults finds that 42% are at least somewhat confident the Fed will be able to keep inflation under control and interest rates down, including 11% who are Very Confident. However, most (52%) still lack that confidence, with 15% 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 American Adults nationwide was conducted on January 8-9, 2012 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.

51% Lack Confidence In Stability of U.S. Banking Industry

Most Americans continue to lack confidence in the stability of U.S. banks.  

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults finds that 43% are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the banking industry today, but that includes just nine percent (9%) who are Very Confident.  Fifty-one percent (51%) are not confident in the country’s banking system, with 15% 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 American Adults nationwide was conducted on January 8-9, 2012 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.