Business

Rasmussen Employment Index Hits Highest Level Since 2008 Financial Crisis

The Rasmussen Employment Index, which measures workers’ perceptions of the labor market each month, jumped seven points in February to its highest level since September 2008. At 87.7, the index is up 11 points from three months ago and nine points from a year ago. The Employment Index is also nearly four points higher than the level measured in November 2010, which represented the peak of the post-bailout era. Worker confidence is less than half-a-point below the level measured just before the financial sector meltdown in late 2008.

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.

24% Owe More on Their Credit Cards Now Than A Year Ago

One-in-four credit cardholders owes more money now than they did a year ago, but the number who’ve missed a payment hasn’t increased over the past year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 24% of Americans who have at least one credit card say they owe more than they did 12 months ago, but 42% say they owe less now. Thirty-two percent (32%) say their level of debt is about 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 Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 27-28, 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.

64% Think Budget Cuts Should Be Considered in Every Government Program

Most voters continue to believe that no government program should be exempt when it comes to budget cuts.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 64% of Likely U.S. Voters say thoughtful spending cuts should be considered in every program of the federal government as the nation searches for solutions to the federal budget crises. Twenty-two percent (22%) disagree, and 13% are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on February 22-23, 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.

58% Say Free Market Competition Better Than Regulations At Controlling Gas Prices

Most Americans don’t believe rising gas prices reflect actual market conditions, but a majority says free market competition is better than government regulations at keeping prices down.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that only 24% think rising gas prices accurately reflect market conditions. Sixty-seven percent (67%) believe oil companies use bad news to gouge customers. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on February 23-24, 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% Believe Reducing Dependence on Foreign Oil More Important Than Low Gas Prices

Americans continue to believe strongly than the country needs to lessen its dependence on foreign oil. They tend to think that free market solutions are the best way to achieve that goal. 

Sixty-three percent (63%) of American Adults agree that reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil is more important that reducing the price of gasoline. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only half that many (32%) rate reducing the price of gasoline as more important. (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 February 23-24, 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.

33% Favor Letting People Buy Homes With No Money Down

Though most Americans continue to believe the federal government should only back mortgages for those who can repay them, one-out-of-three thinks letting people buy homes with no money down is good for the housing market.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that a majority (55%) thinks it is better for the housing market to require a 20% down payment from people buying a home rather than letting people buy homes with no money down. Thirty-three percent (33%) say it's better to let people buy homes without a down payment. Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide 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.

55% Think Gas Could Top $5 A Gallon

Most Americans think gas will top $4 a gallon in the next few months and most think $5 a gallon is possible. Government regulations and unrest in the Middle East are seen as the chief culprits.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of American Adults think it is at least somewhat likely that the price of gas will rise above $5 a gallon in the next few months. Thirty-eight percent (38%) view that as unlikely. This includes 24% who believe the gas hike is Very Likely and 12% who say it is Not At All Likely. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The survey of 1,000 Adults nationwide was conducted on February 21-22, 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.

33% Have Filed Their Income Taxes Already

Americans are a little more enthusiastic about paying their income taxes than they have been in the last couple of years.

Thirty-three percent (33%) of American Adults say they’ve paid their income taxes already with two months to go until the deadline, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. 

This marks an increase in early filers from last year’s 29% and 2010’s 30%.  The new findings match those in February 2009 but remain well below the 43% who filed by early March 2008, just months before the Wall Street meltdown.

Eighty-eight percent (88%) of adults expect to file their taxes by the April 15 deadline, same as last year but down from 94% in 2010. Seven percent (7%) will seek an extension, and five percent (5%) more 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 nationwide was conducted on February 19-20, 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.

53% Believe Home Worth More Than Purchase Price, Down 27 Points from 2008

The number of homeowners who think their home is worth more than they paid for it remains low.  The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of U.S. homeowners finds that 53% believe their home is worth more money than when they bought it. That’s little changed since December.  But it's down nine points from October, and down 27 points since June 2008.  (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 706 Adult Homeowners was conducted on February 17-18, 2012 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.

57% Say Home Worth More Than What They Still Owe

Amidst reports that sales of new and existing houses were up in January, confidence among homeowners that the value of their home will increase in the next five years is at its highest level in over a year, as is the number who believe their house is worth more than what they still owe on it. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 57% of Adult Homeowners think the value of their home is worth more than their mortgage.  That finding is up slightly from mid-January, but is at the highest level measured since early January of last year. Since then, this figure has generally remained in the high 40s to low 50s. 

Nearly one-in-three homeowners (32%) don’t believe their home is worth more than what they owe on their mortgage. Another 11% 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 national survey of 706 Adult Homeowners was conducted on February 17-18, 2012 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.

46% Say Driving Is Something They Really Enjoy

Americans have grown a little fonder of driving over the years, but a sizable number still says it's strictly for getting around.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 46% of American Adults view driving a car as something they really enjoy rather than just something they have to do to get from one place to another. That’s up from 43% a year ago and 39% the year before.

But 50% still see driving as primarily a way to get from one place to another. This finding is little changed from last year but is down from 56% in 2010. (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 February 13-14, 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% Favor Candidate Who Would Raise Taxes on Wealthy

Voters appear to be showing a little less resistance to tax increases, and for the first time ever a majority would support a candidate who promised to raise taxes only on the wealthy over one who was against all tax increases.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 35% of Likely U.S. Voters would vote for a candidate who promised to oppose all tax increases. Fifty-two percent (52%) instead would prefer a candidate who promised to raise taxes only on the rich. That’s up five points from last month and is the highest level of support measured in four years of regular tracking.  Thirteen percent (13%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

Additional information from this survey and a full demographic breakdown are available to Platinum Members only.

Please sign up for the Rasmussen Reports daily e-mail update (it’s free) or follow us on Twitter or Facebook. Let us keep you up to date with the latest public opinion news.

Ford Still Viewed More Favorably Than GM, Chrysler

More Americans than ever have a favorable opinion of Ford, the one Big Three automaker who didn't need a taxpayer bailout to stay in business. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 76% of American Adults have at least a somewhat favorable impression of Ford. That’s up from 73% last September but consistent with findings since the 2008-2009 auto bailouts. Eighteen percent (18%) have an unfavorable opinion of Ford.  The new findings include 39% with a Very Favorable impression of the Detroit-based manufacturer and just six percent (6%) 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 was conducted on February 13-14, 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. 

14% Are Very Likely to Buy or Lease A Car This Year

Americans' interest in a new car is barely higher than it has been over the last two years.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 28% of Adults are even somewhat likely to buy or lease a car in the next year, including 14% who are Very Likely to do so.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on February 13-14, 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.

Fewer See Major Depression Coming, Still Pessimistic About Housing, Stock Markets

With more Americans expecting a stronger economy next year, they are also less inclined to believe a 1930s-like depression is in the cards. Still, most don’t expect the housing or stock markets to make a full recovery anytime soon.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 40% still believe the United States is at least somewhat likely to enter an economic depression similar to the one during the 1930s in the next few years. This finding includes 15% who think it's Very Likely. The overall finding is down from 52% in November and is the lowest recorded in three years of regular tracking. 

Forty-eight percent (48%) don’t see a 1930s-like economic depression as likely in the near future, but just nine percent (9%) say it’s Not At All Likely to happen. Eleven percent (11%) 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 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.

Obama’s Budget Shows $928 Billion Increase in Spending Over Five Years

President Obama’s new budget proposal calls for annual federal government spending to increase by $192 billion in 2012 and $928 billion by 2017.  The budget documents show federal spending of $3,603 billion for 2011 growing to $3,795 billion in 2012 and $4,531 billion in 2017.