Business

Just 52% Now Want to Avoid Going Over Fiscal Cliff

While the failure of House Speaker John Boehner's “Plan B” sent shudders through the stock market and Washington’s political elite, it had little impact on public expectations.

A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters now believe it is at least somewhat likely that Congress and the president will reach a deal to avert the December 31 “fiscal cliff” of big tax increases and automatic across-the-board spending cuts. The survey was conducted on Thursday and Friday night, meaning that just over half the survey was conducted after Republicans failed to find the votes for their Plan B to raise taxes on millionaires only. There was no significant change in public expectations before or after the legislative debacle.

Additionally, public expectations have changed little since Election Day. The number who think a deal is likely has stayed consistently between 49% and 51% prior to the latest results. The consistency of public opinion stands in marked contrast to the roller coaster assessments coming from “sources” in Washington. Just 17% of voters nationwide think a fiscal cliff deal is Very Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The Rasmussen Challenge has a winner! 

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 20-21, 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.

21% Think Now Is A Good Time to Sell A House Where They Live

Twenty-one percent (21%) of American Adults think now is a good time for someone in their area to be selling a house, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. That's up from 16% a month ago and the highest level of confidence in the local housing market recorded in regular surveys since April 2009.  Just nine percent (9%) were that upbeat a year ago.

Interestingly, homeowners are slightly less convinced than others that now is a good time to sell.

Sixty percent (60%) of all adults disagree and still think now is not a good time to sell. Nineteen percent (19%) 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 Adults nationwide was conducted on December 15-16, 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.

Three-Year High: 60% Think Their Home Worth More Than Mortgage

There has been a sharp increase in short-term housing market confidence over the past month.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of homeowners now believe their home is worth more than their mortgage. That’s up five points from a month ago and the highest level of confidence since October 2009. Only 33% think their home is worth less than what they owe. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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 on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 676 Homeowners nationwide was conducted on December 15-16, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports.  The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Voters Divided Over Tax Pledge, Republicans Want It Honored

American voters are evenly divided about candidates who sign a pledge not to raise taxes. However, Republicans who are represented by a pledge signer overwhelmingly want their Congressman to honor the pledge.

Forty percent (40%) of voters nationwide would vote for a candidate who signed a pledge not to raise taxes over a candidate who refused to sign. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 41% would prefer the candidate who didn’t sign an anti-tax pledge.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

This is the last week to take part in the 2012 Rasmussen Challenge! Submit your answer by 11:59pm ET tomorrow.

The national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 16-17, 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.

Confidence in Fiscal Cliff Deal Slips to 49%

As the fiscal cliff deal nears, confidence that a deal can be reached has slipped a bit. Voters still see President Obama as more willing than Congressional Republicans to accept a compromise.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 49% of Likely Voters say it’s even somewhat likely a deal will be reached. That’s down from 51% at the end of November.  Forty-five percent (45%) see a deal 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 national survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 14-15, 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% Predict Higher Interest Rates A Year From Today

Most Americans think they’re paying about the same in interest rates as they were a year ago, but a plurality feel those rates will be higher a year from today.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 16% of American Adults say the interest rates they are paying now are higher than they were a year ago, while 17% say those rates are lower.  Fifty-eight percent (58%) think interest rates are about the same compared to 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 national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 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.

New High: 73% Say Government Should Cut Spending to Help Economy

Half of all Americans want more government action to deal with the economy. But the action they are looking for is to cut government spending. Overall, 73% of Likely Voters nationwide believe the federal government should cut spending rather than increase it in reacting the nation’s current economic problems. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 18% are looking for an increase in spending. (To see survey question wording, click here.) That’s consistent with earlier data showing that just 19% want to see more stimulus spending at this time.

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

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on December 12-13, 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 Right-to-Work Laws Good for a State’s Economy

Michigan’s sudden legislative decision to declare itself a right-to-work state has prompted angry protests from President Obama and organized labor, but voters by a two-to-one margin think right-to-work laws are good for a state economically.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% of Likely U.S. Voters believe right-to-work laws are good for a state’s economy. Just half that many (22%) disagree. Seven percent (7%) think right-to-work laws have no impact. A sizable 25% 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 was conducted on December 12-13, 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.

68% Expect To Pay More for Groceries A Year From Now

Most Americans remain worried about inflation and expect to be paying even more for groceries that they are paying now. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 77% of American Adults are at least somewhat concerned about inflation, with 43% who are Very Concerned. Nineteen percent (19%) are not as concerned, but that includes only five percent (5%) 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 nationwide was conducted on December 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.

49% Confident In Stability of U.S. Banking Industry

Fewer than half of Americans remain confident in the stability of the nation's banks.  

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry, but that includes only nine percent (9%) are Very Confident.  Nearly as many (47%) lack confidence in the banks, with 12% who are Not At All Confident.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an iPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge! You have until 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday to get your response in.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 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.

52% Think Auto Bailouts Were A Good Idea

Most voters continue to view the auto bailouts as a good move but now are evenly divided over them when told the government lost billions bailing out General Motors and Chrysler.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone report finds that 52% of Likely U.S. Voters think the bailouts of the auto industry were good for the United States. Thirty-six percent (36%) consider the bailouts bad for the country. Twelve percent (12%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an iPad: The Rasmussen Challenge! This week's entries will be accepted until 11:59pm ET on Wednesday.

(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 December 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.

Most Still Think Government Workers Better Off

As they have for years, Americans still generally believe that those employed by the government don’t work as hard as those in the private sector but get more in return. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 67% of American Adults believe that private sector workers generally work harder than government employees. Only five percent (5%) believe public sector employees are the harder workers, but 28% 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 Adults was conducted on December 1-2, 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.

49% Support Dropping the Penny

Americans are willing to give up the dollar bill if it would save the government money, and many wouldn’t miss the penny either. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 49% of American Adults favor a proposal for the United States to stop making pennies.  Thirty-one percent (31%) oppose dropping the one-cent coin, while 20% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 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.

Most Are Willing To Phase Out One-Dollar Bill to Save Money

Congress is considering getting rid of the dollar bill and replacing it with a coin as a budget-cutting move. Americans don’t like the idea - until they hear how much money it will save.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 21% of American Adults favor a proposal to phase out the dollar bill completely and replace it with a dollar coin.  Fifty-nine percent (59%) oppose such a proposal, while 20% are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on December 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% Support Candidate Who Promises To Raise Taxes On Wealthy

President Obama is standing firm on his position of raising taxes on the nation’s top earners, and most voters say they support a candidate who takes that stance. The president is also proposing new government spending, but voters still don't think that's a good idea.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of Likely U.S. Voters say they would vote for a candidate who promises to raise taxes only on the rich rather than one who promises to oppose all tax increases, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.  Thirty-four percent (34%) would rather vote for a candidate who opposes all tax increases, while 14% more are not sure.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an IPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge. This week’s entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

The national telephone survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on November 30-December 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.

39% Say Government Should Do Nothing For Long-Term Unemployed

More Americans than ever (39%) now think that if people can’t find work for an extended period of time, the government should do nothing at all to help them, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Only eight percent (8%) feel their unemployment benefits should be extended indefinitely, down four points from October and tying the all-time low finding in over two years of regular surveying.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Thirty-two percent (32%) of Adults believe the government should pay for their retraining, tying April’s high.  Just 12% think the government should hire the long-term unemployed.

Win an IPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge. This week’s entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday.

(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 December 1-2, 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.

60% Think Middle-Class Tax Increases Likely in Any Budget Deal

Most voters still think a middle-class tax hike is likely in any deal that President Obama and Congress reach to avoid the January 1 “fiscal cliff.” They view long-term spending cuts as much less likely.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 60% of Likely U.S. Voters believe middle-class taxes are also likely to go up if the president and Congress agree to a plan that raises taxes on wealthy Americans and cuts spending. Thirty-two percent (32%) see a middle-class tax hike as unlikely. This includes 31% who consider it Very Likely but just five percent (5%) who think it’s Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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 on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on November 30-December 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.

New High: 43% Expect Higher Unemployment Next Year

While opinions of the current job market have improved from the last several months, more Americans than ever expect a higher unemployment rate a year from now.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 43% of American Adults believe unemployment will be higher in a year's time, up 13 points from October and the highest level of pessimism measured in several years. Thirty percent (30%) expect unemployment to be lower a year from now, while 23% think it will be about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an IPad: Take the Rasmussen Challenge. 

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on December 1-2, 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% Recognize Need to Cut Entitlements, Defense to Reduce Federal Deficit

Recognition is growing among voters that reducing the deficit will require cuts in both defense and entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare.  A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that nearly half (48%) of Likely U.S. Voters now believe it is necessary to significantly reduce the cost of entitlement programs and military spending to reduce the long-term federal deficit. Thirty-two percent (32%) disagree about the necessity of any such cuts, while another 20% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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 on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on November 28-29, 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.

64% Think $4-a-Gallon Gas Likely in the Near Future

Gas prices continue to fluctuate like a bouncing ball, with most Americans now saying they are paying less or about the same amount for a gallon of gas as they were this summer. But most also think higher prices are coming soon.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 39% of American Adults think they are paying more for a gallon of gas compared to six months ago. Thirty-one percent (31%) say they are paying less now, while 26% say the price of gallon of gas is about the same now as back then. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Win an iPad: The Rasmussen Challenge! This week's entries will be accepted until 11:59pm ET tonight.

(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 20, 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.