National unemployment was 7.4% in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Real Unemployment update, down slightly from last month from 8.3% last month and significantly more than the 4.6% rate officially reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on January 11, 2026.
Economic confidence decreased to 107.5 in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Economic Index, nearly two points lower than January. The index hit a four-year high of 115.9 in July.
With the season for filing income taxes under way, more Americans believe they’ll get a refund from the Internal Revenue Service this year.
Americans now are more concerned about economic fairness, and less worried about economic growth, than they were two years ago.
Expectations about job opportunities and pay increases have remained stable since last fall.
Economic confidence increased slightly to 109.2 in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Economic Index, a fraction higher than December. The index hit a four-year high of 115.9 in July.
Only one-in-five Americans say their financial situation improved in the last year, and more than a quarter of them say they can’t expect to be comfortable unless they get a hefty inheritance.
Economic confidence increased to 108.9 in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Economic Index, more than 10 points higher than November. The December surge ends a four-month decline since the index hit a four-year high in July.
High housing costs have reached unsustainable levels – the definition of a “housing bubble” – most Americans believe.
The cost of living – particularly higher grocery prices – continues to worry most Americans.
Economic confidence decreased to 98.6 in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Economic Index, more than seven points lower than October.
Optimism about the stock market continues to decline, and worries about an economic depression remain high.
Most Americans continue to see their financial situation as stagnant or worsening, and fewer than 1-in-5 report it’s getting better.
Economic confidence decreased to 105.9 in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Economic Index, more than three points lower than September.
There has been no substantial boost in economic optimism over the past six months.
Most Americans think businesses should be focused on quality rather than trying to promote political causes.
Economic confidence decreased to 109.4 in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Economic Index, more than two points lower than August.
Support for raising the national minimum wage continues to raise, with 4-in-10 Americans now saying it should be at least double what current federal law requires.
Economic confidence decreased to 111.8 in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Economic Index, more than four points lower than July.
Expectations of higher stock prices have cooled somewhat since the first month of President Donald Trump’s second term.
