The Rasmussen Consumer Index, which measures the economic confidence of consumers on a daily basis, rose two points on Friday to 77.9, its highest level in nearly three weeks. The index is up six points from its level a week ago, but it is down three points from its level one month ago. Consumer confidence is up 18 points from the beginning of the year.

Nationally, only 9% of adults give the U.S. economy good or excellent ratings while 56% say the economy is in poor shape. While 22% of government workers rate the economy as good or excellent, just 8% of entrepreneurs and 5% of employees of private companies agree. Fourteen percent (14%) of retired adults rate the economy as good or excellent.

The Rasmussen Investor Index, which measures the economic confidence of investors on a daily basis, rose slightly to 86.2. That's up seven points from last week but it is down five points from a month ago. Investor confidence is up 23 points from the start of 2009.

Among investors, just 12% rate the U.S. economy as good or excellent and 52% rate it as poor.

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Most voters favor the extension of unemployment benefits signed by the president on Friday. As for the first-time home buyers tax credit, most like that idea until they learn how much it costs.

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 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 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 77.9, overall levels of economic confidence are significantly lower today than they were in the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attacks