National unemployment was 8.3% in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Real Unemployment update, up slightly from last month from 8.0% last month and significantly more than the 4.6% rate officially reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on December 16, 2025.
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.
More than three-quarters of Americans are still worried about inflation, particularly higher grocery prices.
Economic confidence increased to 115.9 in this month’s Rasmussen Reports Economic Index, more than three points higher than June.
Fewer homeowners are now optimistic about the resale value of their homes.
Voters are overwhelmingly concerned about America’s $37 trillion national debt, and few think the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” will address the problem.
