General Business

Half of Americans Still Expect Interest Rates to Rise

While the majority of adults nationwide say they are paying similar interest rates as they were a year ago, nearly half expect those rates to go up next year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 18% say they’re paying higher interest rates than they were a year ago, generally unchanged from the previous two months, but down from 24% in June and July. Just 14% are paying lower rates than they were a year ago. Most Americans (60%) say their interest rates are about the same as last year. (To see survey questions wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on October 16-17, 2014 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.

Are Inflation Worries Lessening?

Americans remain concerned about inflation and continue to doubt whether the Federal Reserve Board can keep it under control.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 70% of American Adults are still concerned about inflation. Just 26% are not. These findings include 31% who are Very Concerned and just seven percent (7%) who are Not At All Concerned. (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 October 16-17, 2014 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% Confident in U.S. Banking System

Confidence in the banking system remains unchanged from recent surveys but it's still down quite a bit from before the 2009 financial meltdown.

Americans remain generally confident in the U.S. banking system, and fewer are concerned about losing their money to bank failure.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry today, including 12% who are Very Confident. That’s up slightly from September but generally in line with recent surveys.

Forty-one percent (41%) are not confident in the banking industry, the lowest since the beginning of the year. This includes 11% 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 was conducted on October 16-17, 2014 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% Won’t Pay More For Fast Food To Raise Minimum Wage

Americans enjoy having it their way. Fast-food restaurants have been in the news lately because of protests to raise the minimum wage, but Americans who regularly eat at these restaurants aren't willing to pay more for their food to raise the pay of their workers.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 27% of American Adults rarely or never eat at fast-food restaurants. But 50% eat at such restaurants at least two to three times a month. This includes 27% who eat fast food at least once a week, up from 13% in August of last year. Twenty-four percent (24%) say they eat at a fast-food restaurant every now and then. (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 October 12-13, 2014 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

43% Think Raising Minimum Wage Will Help Economy

President Obama is trying to raise the federal minimum wage from the current $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour, and most Americans are on board.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that most American Adults (61%) favor raising the minimum wage from its current level of $7.25 an hour, which many states and the District of Columbia have already done. One-in-three (30%) oppose raising the minimum wage. (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 October 12-13, 2014 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.

12% Consider Themselves the Working Poor

Although the number of workers expecting a raise within the next year ties the all-time high, roughly one-in-10 still consider themselves among the working poor.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of working Americans think they will be earning more money a year from today, tying July’s all-time high. Just 11% believe they will be earning less in a year. Thirty-two percent (32%) say their salary will be about the same in a year’s time, but that’s the lowest finding since April 2009. (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 622 Employed Adults was conducted on September 28-29, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

29% Owe More Money Than Last Year

Roughly a third of adults say they owe more money than a year ago, although only one-in-five say their interest rates have gone up in that same time.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 29% of American Adults now owe more money than they did a year ago, up three points from a month ago, but generally in line with earlier surveys. Thirty-three percent (33%) owe less than a year ago, while another 35% owe about the same amount. (To see survey questions 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 September 18-19, 2014 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.

Americans Expect Higher Grocery Bills Next Year

Americans remain concerned about inflation and the vast majority feel they’ll be paying more for their groceries a year from now.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 75% of American Adults are still concerned about inflation, consistent with monthly surveying for the past three years. This finding includes 36% who are Very Concerned. Twenty-one percent (21%) are not concerned about inflation, but that includes only four percent (4%) who are Not At All Concerned. (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 September 18-19, 2014 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% Are Confident in U.S. Banking Industry

While only half of Americans express confidence in the nation’s banking system, most do not fear their money will be lost due to bank failure.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% 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. That’s down slightly from August.
 
 Forty-five percent (45%) are not confident in the banking industry, including 10% who are Not At All Confident. Five percent (5%) 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 September 18-19, 2014 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.

Americans Think Government Workers Have It Made

Americans continue to believe a government job is better than one with a private company.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 68% of American Adults think government workers have more job security than those in the private sector. Just eight percent (8%) think government employees have less job security. Seventeen percent (17%) say job security is about the same for both. (To see survey questions, 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 and Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 2-3, 2014 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.

Americans Are Conflicted Over Corporate Taxes

Nearly half of Americans recognize that the United States has higher corporate taxes than most other industrialized nations and think higher taxes on corporations hurt the economy. But just as many say the level of taxation is not high enough.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of American Adults think higher corporate taxes hurt the economy, while just 26% say they help. Fourteen percent (14%) think higher corporate taxes have no economic impact. Fifteen percent (15%) 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 August 29-30, 2014 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.

Americans Are More Optimistic About Job Market

Americans are a bit more optimistic about the current job picture and future job prospects.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 30% of American Adults think that the current job market is better than it was one year ago. This is up five points from July and is the highest level of optimism in over a year. Twenty-seven percent (27%) say it’s worse now, the lowest finding since January. Forty percent (40%) feel the job market is about the same as it was a year ago. (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 and Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on September 2-3, 2014 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.

“Whopper” of a Deal: Americans Weigh in on Burger King Move

The Obama administration and others have criticized a developing merger between Burger King and Canadian chain Tim Hortons over the fast-food burger chain's intention to move its headquarters to a country with lower corporate tax rates, though Burger King argues that is not the case. However, a plurality of American Adults say the government should not be able to stop a company from moving its headquarters to another country to reduce its tax load.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of Adults believe the federal government should not be able to stop U.S. businesses from moving out of the country to reduce their U.S. taxes, but 37% disagree. Sixteen percent (16%) are not sure.
 
 Forty-one percent (41%) have a favorable impression of Burger King, while 47% view the chain unfavorably. This includes 12% with a Very Favorable impression of the 60 year-old burger chain and 21% with a Very Unfavorable opinion. (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 August 29-30, 2014 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% Expect Higher Interest Rates in a Year

While half of Americans expect higher interest rates in the future, fewer are now paying higher rates than they were a year ago.

A new Rasmussen reports national telephone survey finds that 18% of American Adults are currently paying higher interest rates than they were a year ago. That is down from 24% last month and is the lowest finding since November. Just 13% are paying lower rates than they were a year ago. Most Americans (61%) say their interest rates are about the same as last year, up four points from the previous survey. (To see survey questions 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 August 19-20, 2014 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.

Americans Still Wonder if Fed Can Handle Inflation

Americans remain highly concerned about inflation and continue to wonder if the Federal Reserve Board has the ability to keep it under control.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 75% of American Adults are concerned about inflation, consistent with monthly surveying for the past three years. This finding includes 37% who are Very Concerned. Twenty-two percent (22%) are not concerned about inflation, but that includes only four percent (4%) who are Not At All Concerned. (To see survey questions 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 August 19-20, 2014 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% Are Confident in U.S. Banking Industry

Just over half of Americans express confidence in the nation's banking system again this month.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry today, including 12% who are Very Confident. That’s up slightly from 50% in July. Forty-three percent (43%) are not confident in the banking industry, 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 American Adults was conducted on August 19-20, 2014 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.

Americans View Poverty As A Bigger Trap Than Ever

Even as thousands of new illegal immigrants flood over the border, more Americans than ever doubt whether it is possible for most people in this country to escape being poor. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of American Adults still believe it is possible for just about anyone in the United States to work their way out of poverty. That’s consistent with findings since April of last year but down from the high 40s and low 50s for several years prior to that. However, 40% now think it is not possible for just about anyone to escape poverty, up just two points from 38% in March but the highest finding in regular surveying since January 2009 just after the Wall Street meltdown. Sixteen percent (16%) 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 Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on July 18-19, 2014 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% Believe Economy Will Be Weaker A Year From Now

Is this the new normal? Americans continue to hold a gloomy assessment of the economy’s chances for improvement in both the short- and long-term.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 25% of American Adults believe the U.S. economy will be stronger a year from now. That’s virtually unchanged from 24% in March, the lowest level of optimism recorded in regular tracking since early January 2009 following the Wall Street meltdown. This finding has generally run in the mid-30s to low 40s for most of the last five-and-a-half years.

(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 July 18-19, 2014 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: 34% Owe More Money Than They Did A Year Ago

More Americans than ever say they owe more money than they did last year, and they’re more pessimistic about their future interest rates.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 34% of American Adults now owe more money than they did last year, up from 32% last month and the highest finding in regular surveying since April 2009. Slightly fewer (31%) owe less now, while 33% say they owe about the same amount as they did last year. (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 July 14-15, 2014 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.

Americans Still Strongly Fear Inflation and Expect to Pay for It

With inflation worries at recent highs, the number of Americans who are paying more for groceries also has risen to its highest level in over two years. There's an increasing lack of confidence, too, that the Federal Reserve Board can keep inflation under control.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 88% of American Adults say they are paying more for groceries this year than the year before. This finding is up six points from last month and the highest since May 2012. Only seven percent (7%) say they are not paying more than they were a year ago, the lowest finding since January 2012. Five percent (5%) 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 July 14-15, 2014 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.