Congress Job Approval Drops to All-Time Low for 2013
December 10, 2013
Americans' job approval rating for Congress in 2013 averaged 14%, the lowest annual average in Gallup's history, including a 12% reading in December. Congressional approval has averaged below 20% for each of the last four years.
In the U.S., Economic Confidence Continues Its Recovery
December 10, 2013
Americans' confidence in the economy is still slowly recovering from its government shutdown-induced plunge. Gallup's Economic Confidence Index averaged -22 last week, up from -39 in mid-October, but below the -15 from mid-September.
Americans' Life Ratings Improve in November
December 9, 2013
The percentage of Americans who rated their lives highly enough to be considered "thriving" ticked up in November after declining the prior five months. Americans' life ratings mirror recent changes in economic confidence and standard of living perceptions.
Costs Still Keep 30% of Americans From Getting Treatment
December 9, 2013
Three in 10 Americans say they put off medical care for themselves or their family in the past year because of the cost -- higher than what Gallup found in the early 2000s. Nearly two in 10 delayed care for serious conditions.
Inside Strategic Consulting
If Executives Aren't Engaged, Employees Won't Be Either
In Thailand, executives' engagement is significantly lower than that of employees in the organizations they lead. CEOs need to act fast, because engagement cascades down -- and so does disengagement.
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GALLUP DAILY
Dec 7-9, 2013 – Updates daily at 1 p.m. ET; reflects one-day change
Gallup Business Journal
If Executives Aren't Engaged, Employees Won't Be Either
December 10, 2013
In Thailand, executives' engagement is significantly lower than that of employees in the organizations they lead. CEOs need to act fast, because engagement cascades down -- and so does disengagement.
How the UAE Can Promote Growth
December 4, 2013
Engaged workplaces are essential to retaining Emiratis in private-sector jobs and meeting other key societal objectives, which include diversifying the country's economy and stemming rising unemployment.
Last Week's Top Stories
Uninformed: Young Americans least familiar with healthcare law
Thanksgiving Gain: Americans' reported spending rose last week
Insurance Intentions: One in four uninsured in U.S. plan to stay that way
Lacking Good Jobs: 48% of younger southern Europeans underemployed
Ukrainians' Discontent: More approve of EU leadership than their own
Politics
Majority of Americans Want Major Changes to Health Law
December 6, 2013
In the U.S., a majority of Americans want Congress to either repeal or scale back the 2010 healthcare law. Republicans and Democrats are more divided about what Congress should do than they were in October.
Obama Approval Down Most Among Hispanics in Past Year
December 5, 2013
President Barack Obama's job approval rating of 41% in November is down 12 points from the recent monthly high of 53% in December 2012. His largest declines were among Hispanics, lower-income Americans, nonwhites, and moderates.
Economy
In U.S., Most Enjoy Saving Over Spending
December 9, 2013
Americans are sometimes criticized for spending too much and saving too little, but Americans themselves say they prefer saving over spending, by 62% to 33%.
In U.S., Wealthier Most Likely to Do Holiday Shopping Online
December 6, 2013
Wealthier Americans are more likely to say they will do their holiday shopping online than in traditional retail stores, and are far more likely than other income groups to plan to shop online.
Well-Being
Americans' Life Ratings Improve in November
December 9, 2013
The percentage of Americans who rated their lives highly enough to be considered "thriving" ticked up in November after declining the prior five months. Americans' life ratings mirror recent changes in economic confidence and standard of living perceptions.
One in Four U.S. Uninsured Plan to Remain That Way
December 3, 2013
Twenty-eight percent of uninsured Americans say they are more likely to pay the fine for not having health insurance than to obtain insurance, as required by the healthcare law. Politics appear to be a major factor in that decision.
World
Nearly Half of Younger Southern Europeans Underemployed
December 5, 2013
Underemployment in Europe's crisis-stricken south has climbed since 2009, affecting nearly 50% of young residents in 2013. These young people are also increasingly likely to say their standard of living is getting worse.
"Suffering" in Bulgaria and Armenia Highest Worldwide
December 2, 2013
A quarter or more of residents in 20 countries rated their lives poorly enough last year to be considered "suffering." Those countries span most world regions, including six places in crisis-hit Europe.
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