41% of American voters say President George W. Bush is doing a good or excellent job handling the economy. Thirty-eight percent (38%) say he is doing a poor job.

These numbers represent a slight improvement from a week ago. The number saying the President is doing a poor job is at its lowest level since the Fourth of July holiday.

When President Bush took office 50% of Americans rated the economy as good or excellent. In the year following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, that figure fell as low as 17%. It was barely over 20% during the mid-term Elections when Republicans regained control of the Senate. Today, 35% of Americans rate the economy as good or excellent.

Overall levels of economic confidence have improved over the past two years. Currently, the Rasmussen Consumer Index is staying 10-15 points above the levels that existed in November 2002. However, it peaked in January 2004 and has remained somewhat lower since that time.

The President's ratings for handling the economy are updated every Wednesday by Noon Eastern.

A related survey found that voters are evenly divided between Bush and Kerry when it comes to managing the economy. That survey will be updated on Friday.

Rasmussen Reports provides daily updates on the Presidential race and the economic confidence of Investors and Consumers.