Here are some poll results released yesterday (Sunday) by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information."
Consumer Confidence Reaches Highest Levels Since November
Sunday, March 15, 2009
After five days of steady gains, consumer confidence is now at its highest level of 2009. In fact, confidence is now at the highest level since the morning after Barack Obama was elected President in November.
The Rasmussen Consumer Index, which measures consumer confidence on a daily basis, moved up another point on Sunday to 67.0. That's up ten points from a week ago and up ten points from a month ago. However, it remains down nine points from a year ago.
The Rasmussen Investor Index stabilized on Sunday at 71.0. That's up eighteen points from a week ago and up eleven points from a month ago. Investor confidence is now at its highest level since January 6.
The increased confidence is driven by improved expectations for the future. Nineteen percent (19%) of consumers now say the economy is getting better, compared to 12% just one week ago. The number of investors who say the same more than doubled over the week, with 21% who say economic conditions are improving.
When it comes to personal finances, 19% of adults say theirs are improving, compared to 15% last Sunday. Nearly a quarter of investors (23%) agree, up from 17% a week ago.
Forty-seven percent (47%) of voters nationwide trust Democrats more than Republicans on economic issues while 40% trust the GOP more.
The Rasmussen Consumer Index and Investor Index are derived from nightly telephone surveys of 500 adults and reported on a three-day rolling average basis. The baseline for the Index was established at 100.0 in October 2001. Readings above 100.0 indicate that confidence is higher than in the baseline month. Detailed supplemental information is available for Premium Members . Historical data for the Consumer and Investor indexes as well as attitudes about the economy and personal finances are also available to Premium Members.
The Rasmussen Consumer Index reached its highest level ever at 127.0 on January 6, 2004. The all-time low was reached on March 9, 2009 at 54.8.
The Rasmussen Investor Index reached its highest level ever at 150.9 on January 7, 2004. The lowest level ever measured was 52.5 on March 9, 2009.
The baseline for the Rasmussen Consumer Index was established at 100.0 in October 2001. At 67.0 the overall levels of economic confidence are significantly lower today than they were in the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attacks
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To view an original copy of the report, please use this link: Consumer Confidence Higher Despite Mounting Unemployment .