Despite some recent studies that suggest otherwise, Americans feel more strongly that raising the minimum wage is a good economic move and are more likely to believe it should be a living wage.
With the Dow closing at new highs this week and unemployment down, Americans are more confident than they have been in years that it’s possible for just about anyone to find a job - and even get rich - in America.
Consumers are seeing green again when it comes to rating the economy and their own personal finances, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready to start spending more.
For the last three months, the overall Consumer Confidence Index has been falling from its three-year high, but June’s four-point jump to 116.7 (the second highest rating in this index’s history) suggests there’s hope on the horizon.
The U.S. unemployment rate has fallen to a 10-year low, but Americans remain divided over where that rate is headed from here. With Republicans controlling the White House and Congress, GOP adults are now far more confident that unemployment will be lower in a year’s time, while Democrats are noticeably less cheery.
Once hot sentiments on the direction of the economy and personal finances following President Trump’s inauguration are now cooling, and so is consumer spending.
While most Americans still say they know someone out of a job, that number has fallen to its lowest level yet, as has the number who know someone who has given up on the job market. But even though the national unemployment rate has fallen to a 10-year low, adults aren’t totally convinced the job market is better than it was a year ago.
Voters are receptive to President Trump’s proposal to kill the federal “death tax” and to eliminate most income tax deductions in exchange for a higher initial standard deduction.
Americans are filing their taxes today, and most say they want to pay their fair share.
Once again, the overwhelming majority of Americans have filed their income taxes just in the nick of time.
Voters’ views of the Internal Revenue Service may be improving, but a plurality are still dubious of the tax-collecting agency’s ability to fairly enforce tax laws.
Consumers may still be riding the wave of economic enthusiasm since Donald Trump was elected, but that confidence is starting to wane.
Confidence in the housing market continues to grow among homeowners.
Americans were quite optimistic about the economy following President Trump's inauguration. Two months later, their optimism seems to be waning.
Few Americans think those richer or poorer than they are pay as much as they do in taxes.
They still have doubts, but Americans are more confident these days that they aren't being overtaxed.
In response to the growing economy, the Federal Reserve Board is cautiously raising interest rates for the first time in years. Voters are slightly less wary of the economic power the Fed chairman has, but most still think the Fed is too cozy with big banking interests.
Americans have put the brakes on doing their income taxes after getting off to a record start.
The United States has the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world, but most voters don’t know that. Voters tend to see cutting the tax rate as an economic plus but are evenly divided over President Trump’s plan to cut it by over half.
Few Americans admit to cheating on their taxes, but more are worried about getting audited by the IRS than have been in the past.
