These poll numbers were released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information."
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Rasmussen Consumer Index, which measures the economic confidence of consumers on a daily basis, remained steady on Saturday at 80.0. While the consumer index has flat-lined over the past couple days, signifying a possible end to the surge of confidence following the death of Osama bin Laden, the latest reading is still up six points from his death. The consumer index is down three points from a week ago and down 10 points from three months ago.
The Rasmussen Investor Index rose three points on Saturday to 93.1. That's up nine points since bin Laden's death. Investor Confidence is down two points from a week ago and down nine points from three months ago.
Sixty-three percent (63%) of Adult Consumers say the U.S. economy is in a recession, while 18% say it's not. Among investors, the numbers are not that different. Sixty-two percent (62%) of investors think the economy is in a recession, while 23% disagree.
Most American adults continue to believe interest rates will be higher in one year's time , but a majority says the rates they're paying now haven't changed over the past year.
Americans continue to believe that the bailouts of the financial and auto industries were bad for the country. Looking back, just 25% believe they were good for the U.S.
The Rasmussen Consumer Index and Investor Indexes 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 Platinum Members . Historical data for the Consumer and Investor indexes as well as attitudes about the economy and personal finances are also available to Platinum 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 10, 2009 at 54.7.
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 80.0, overall levels of economic confidence are significantly lower today than they were in the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attack.