National unemployment was 8.1% in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Real Unemployment update, up slightly from 7.4% last month and significantly more than the 4.4% rate officially reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on March 06, 2026.
Economic confidence increased to 110.0 in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Economic Index, more than two points higher than February.
Many Americans have noticed the recent spike in the cost of gasoline, and most expect the price to go up even further.
With six weeks left until the Internal Revenue Service deadline, a third of Americans have already filed with their taxes.
Optimism about the stock market has rebounded after last fall’s slump, and worries about an economic depression have also declined.
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.
