37% Confident in U.S. Banking System
Confidence among Americans in the stability of the nation’s banking industry has hit rock bottom.
General Business
Most Recent Releases
August 11, 2011
August 9, 2011
What Double Dip? Americans Say the Recession Never Ended
Rasmussen Reports measures consumer confidence on a daily basis, and one of our standard questions is whether or not the United States is currently in a recession. According to the economists, the last recession lasted from December 2007 to June 2009, and some are wondering if we are on the path to a double dip.
July 26, 2011
Spreading out the Taxes on Lottery Winnings By Cliff Ennico
"I have an unusual question for you. If I win a large prize in the lottery, should/could I establish a nonprofit corporation to receive the prize? I asked a financial advisor about this, and he said that I could do this and also have the identity of the manager (me) hidden from the public.
July 19, 2011
Homer's 'Iliad' and the Federal Budget Debate By Cliff Ennico
Those trying to figure out the mood of the American voter right now are bound to be scratching their heads. Last November, the voters threw Republicans into Congress in almost record numbers with a mandate to slash government spending and keep taxes as low as possible.
July 18, 2011
67% Believe Consumers Would Buy New Light Bulbs If They Work Even If Traditional Bulbs Are Still Available
The U.S. Department of Energy says that new light bulbs will cost more up front but save money in the long run. That, plus expected energy savings, has led to government regulations that will effectively ban the sale of traditional light bulbs starting next year.
July 16, 2011
57% Expect Higher Interest Rates Next Year
After dipping to a two-year low last month, the number of Americans who expect to pay higher interest rates next year has returned to levels found earlier in 2011.
July 14, 2011
79% Are Concerned About Inflation
Most Americans remain worried about inflation and lack confidence in the Federal Reserve to keep inflation under control and interest rates down.
July 13, 2011
45% Confident In Stability Of U.S. Banking Industry
Trust in the U.S. banking industry has steadily slipped over the past three months, and the number of Americans that lack confidence now outweighs the number that is confident.
July 13, 2011
42% View Chamber of Commerce Favorably; 58% Share Favorable Opinion of AMA
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the major lobbying force in Washington, DC for the business community, but voters have mixed feelings about the organization.
July 12, 2011
Can You Punish Employees For Things They Say on Facebook? By Cliff Ennico
"I run a small advertising agency with about 10 employees. Given the nature of our work, our employees spend much of their time online, especially on the social media websites including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We have found these websites a tremendous source of revenue, as all of our clients are looking to develop advertising strategies for these sites.
July 12, 2011
70% Think Government Regulation Hurts Small Business More Than Big Business
Voters don’t care much for government regulation of the economy and think it has a bigger negative impact on small business.
July 7, 2011
Americans Divided On Views of NAACP
As with many organizations that get caught up in partisan politics, the NAACP gets mixed reviews from the American public.
July 6, 2011
42% Give the NEA Positive Marks, 54% Like the NRA
The nation’s largest teachers’ union on Monday endorsed President Obama’s reelection 16 months before Election Day 2012, but then most Republicans already have a negative opinion of the National Education Association. Democrats, on the other hand, are big fans.
July 5, 2011
52% Have Favorable Opinion of AARP
AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, has made news recently by shifting its position on Social Security benefit cuts, but public perceptions of the group are little changed from two years ago.
June 28, 2011
How to Sell Successfully on eBay ... Advice From the Pros By Cliff Ennico
Last week, I gave a presentation on Internet sales taxes at the eighth annual eBay Radio party in Las Vegas -- a confab of some of the top eBay sellers in the United States and Canada.
June 21, 2011
The Right Way to Advertise Your Securities? Don't! By Cliff Ennico
It pays to read your junk mail sometimes. Last week, I received a postcard from a Broadway production company looking to raise money for a revival of a classic Broadway musical.
June 17, 2011
61% Oppose Online State Lottery Sales
Many cash-strapped states are considering selling lottery tickets online to boost revenue. Some like Minnesota and New Jersey have already begun the process. But most Americans nationwide aren’t keen on the idea, perhaps because many think online gambling shouldn’t be legal.
June 15, 2011
Support for State-Run Lotteries Is Declining
While state lotteries across the country scramble for ways to attract customers, Americans seem to be less enthusiastic about the government-run gambling operations.
June 14, 2011
Finding 'Satisfaction' As an Entrepreneur Even Though 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' By Cliff Ennico
It's sum ... sum ... summertime. Time to throw away the business books and do some brainless "beach reading." Except when you write a small-business column, you see entrepreneurial advice in just about any book you pick up. It goes with the territory. Truth is you can get business lessons from just about anyone in any field.
June 13, 2011
49% Expect To Pay Higher Interest Rates Next Year
Nearly half of Americans believe they will be paying higher interest rates in a year's time, but that's the lowest finding in over two years.
