General Business

24% Say They Are Paying Higher Interest Rates Than A Year Ago

More Americans say they owe more money than they did a year ago, and the highest number in nearly two years say they are paying higher interest rates.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 31% of American Adults owe more money than they did a year ago. That’s up from 28% in February and the highest level measured since November 2012. An equal number(31%) say they owe less money than they did last year at this time, up one point from last month which was the lowest finding since July 2012. Thirty-eight percent (38%) say their level of debt is about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on March 15-16, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

41% Say Expanding Overtime Pay Will Hurt Businesses

President Obama ordered the Labor Department last week to revise federal rules to allow more workers to qualify for overtime pay.  Voters have mixed feelings about how this change will impact the economy, but they are more pessimistic about its impact on businesses.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 37% of Likely U.S. Voters believe increasing the number of people eligible for overtime pay will help the economy. Nearly as many (34%) think this change will hurt the economy instead. Fourteen percent (14%) believe expanding overtime will have no economic impact, while just as many (15%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on March 16-17, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

84% Are Paying More For Groceries Than a Year Ago

Most Americans remain concerned about inflation, with the number who say they are paying more for groceries at its highest level in a year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 84% of American Adults report paying more for groceries today than a year ago, up eight points from 76% last month. That’s the highest since last March when 86% said they were paying more for groceries. Just 10% say they are not paying more. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on March 15-16, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

51% Remain Confident in U.S. Banking System

Confidence in U.S. banks remains down slightly from its beginning-of-the-year high.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry for the second month in a row, while 45% are not. This includes 10% who are Very Confident and 11% who are Not At All Confident in the banking system. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on March 15-16, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confide

Americans Still Think Government Workers Have It Better

Most Americans still believe private sector workers work harder than government employees but have less job security. One-out-of-two think government workers make more money, too.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just six percent (6%) of American Adults think government employees work harder than those in the private sector, down four points from January and the lowest finding since last June. Consistent with regular surveying since 2010 are the 64% who think private sector employees work harder. Thirty percent (30%) are not sure. (To see survey questions, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 3-4, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

37% Say More Government Hiring Would Be Good For Economy

Most Americans continue to oppose extended government help for the long-term unemployed, although fewer see an increase in government hiring as a bad thing for the U.S. economy.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 12% of American Adults believe the government should extend unemployment benefits indefinitely for those who can’t find work for an extended period of time. Just as many (11%) think the government should hire those who can’t find work for an extended period. But a third (34%) prefer the short-term solution of paying for their retraining, while another third (34%) think the government should do nothing at all for the long-term unemployed. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 3-4, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports.The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

46% Know Someone Who Has Given Up Looking for A Job

Americans are less optimistic about the job market than they were at the start of the year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 73% of American Adults know someone who is out of work and looking for a job. While that’s up just one point from two months ago, it’s the highest level measured since February of last year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on March 3-4, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

20% Expect to Use a Digital Currency Like Bitcoin In Next Five Years

The majority of Americans have never used Bitcoin, the peer-to-peer payment system and digital currency, and most do not plan on using the system within the next five years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only two percent (2%) of American Adults have used Bitcoin to date. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on February 25-26, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

66% Oppose Religious Freedom Law Like Arizona’s

Most Americans don’t want a religious freedom law in their state like the one vetoed yesterday by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, but they continue to strongly support a private photographer’s right to not photograph a same-sex wedding for religious reasons.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 20% of American Adults favor a law in their state that would allow businesses to refuse service to customers for religious reasons. Sixty-six percent (66%) oppose such a law in their state. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on February 25-26, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

50% Don't Trust Fed to Keep Inflation, Interest Rates Down

Confidence in the Federal Reserve’s ability to keep inflation and interest rates down has declined slightly after beginning 2014 at its highest levels in over a year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 43% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident that the Fed can keep inflation and interest rates down, but that includes just 12% who are Very Confident. Fifty percent (50%) lack that confidence, with 17% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on February 13-14, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

28% Owe More Money Than They Did Last Year, 30% Owe Less

Slightly more Americans say they owe more money now than they did a year ago, although most say they are paying about the same amount in interest rates.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 28% of American Adults owe more money than they did a year ago. That’s up from 23% in January and the highest level measured since last August. But 30% say they owe less money than they did last year at this time, the lowest finding since July 2012. Forty percent (40%) say their level of debt is about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on February 13-14, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

51% Are Confident in Nation's Banks

Americans began the year with the most optimistic views of the nation’s banks since before the Wall Street meltdown, but that confidence now has fallen back to levels seen for much of last year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 51% of American Adults are now at least somewhat confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry,although that includes only 15% who are Very Confident. Forty-four percent (44%) don't share that confidence, with 14% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on February 13-14, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

50% Still Expect Higher Interest Rates A Year From Now

Most Americans continue to say the interest rates they're paying haven't changed over the past year, but half expect those rates to rise over the coming year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 62% of American Adults report paying about the same interest rates as they were a year ago. Twenty percent (20%) say they are paying higher interest rates now, up from 17% in November. Ten percent (10%) are paying lower interest rates than they were this time last year: That's down five points from two months ago and the lowest number who report paying less since April 2011. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted on January 14-15, 2013 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

34% Favor Legal Online Gambling In Their State

New Jersey legalized online gambling late last year, and eight other states have pending legislation to do the same. But opposition to Internet gambling is growing, and half of Americans don’t want it in their state.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 36% of American Adults think individuals should be allowed to gamble on the Internet. Forty-seven percent (47%) disagree and oppose Internet gambling. Seventeen percent (17%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 20-21, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

45% Trust Fed to Keep Inflation, Interest Rates Under Control

Confidence in the Federal Reserve’s ability to keep inflation and interest rates down is at its highest level in over a year.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 45% of American Adults are at least somewhat confident that the Fed can keep inflation and interest rates down, but that includes just 10% who are Very Confident. Fifty percent (50%) lack that confidence, with 13% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The national telephone survey of 1,000 American Adults was conducted by Rasmussen Reports on January 14-15, 2014. The margin of sampling error for the survey is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Fieldwork for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

29% Favor Phasing Out the Penny

The U.S. Mint reports it costs 2.41 cents to produce one penny, but support for getting rid of the coin is at an all-time low.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 29% favor a proposal to stop making pennies in the United States. Fifty percent (50%) oppose such a proposal, but 21% more are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. 

49% Have Gone A Week Without Paying Cash

Fewer Americans are paying by cash these days, and half now say they’ve gone through a week without paying for anything in cash and coins.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 20% of American Adults say they pay cash for groceries, compared to 24% in April 2012. Twenty-eight percent (28%) pay cash at a restaurant, but that’s down from 32% two years ago. In 2012, most (52%) still paid cash when they went to the movies, but now just 39% buy their tickets that way.

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Confidence in U.S. Banking System Climbs to Post-Meltdown High

Americans are starting off 2014 with their most optimistic view of the nation's banks since before the Wall Street meltdown.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of American Adults are now confident in the stability of the U.S. banking industry, including 11% who are Very Confident. Forty-one percent (41%) are not as confident, with 10% who are Not At All Confident. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 14-15, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

10% Think Government Employees Work Harder Than Those in Private Sector

Americans continue to believe that government workers are better off than those employed in the private sector. Forty-six percent (46%) of American Adults think the average government worker earns more annually than the average private sector worker, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Thirty percent (30%) disagree, while 24% are undecided. (To see survey questions, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 6-7, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

46% Favor Extending Unemployment Benefits, 39% Oppose

Voters narrowly favor a proposal now before Congress to extend combined unemployment benefits for up to 73 weeks.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 46% of American Adults favor a proposal now before Congress that would continue combined state and federal unemployment benefits for up to 73 weeks for those unable to find a job. Thirty-nine percent (39%) oppose this proposal now being pushed by Senate Democrats and President Obama. Fifteen percent (15%) are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on January 8-9, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.