Gas Prices

Sharp Differences in Partisan Views of Economic Problems

Republicans much more worried about regulation, taxes, and the deficit than are Democrats

June 26, 2009

There are sharp differences in the way Democrats and Republicans view economic issues facing the country today; Republicans are much more likely to worry about taxes and federal control of business, while Democrats worry more about health insurance and unemployment.More ...

In U.S., 6 in 10 Expect Rise in Unemployment, Inflation

Pessimism about near-term inflation falls, but pessimism about near-term unemployment rises

June 25, 2009

With 58% of Americans saying they expect higher inflation rates over the next six months and 57% expecting increased unemployment, the public may be anticipating stagflation.More ...

Economy Still Trumps, but Declines Further as Top Problem

Mentions of healthcare increase slightly amid legislative debate

June 24, 2009

Two-thirds of Americans (65%), when asked in an open-ended fashion, continue to name economic problems as the most important problem facing the country -- but this number has steadily declined from 86% in February.More ...

Most Americans Don’t Foresee $4 Gas Prices This Year

Fifty-six percent say prices causing them hardship, but just 12% report severe hardship

June 19, 2009

Americans, on average, predict gas prices will rise to $3.39 a gallon this year. That forecast is 70 cents higher than what Americans report they are currently paying, but still well below the record-high $4.11 of last year. Only 22% predict gas prices will top $4 by year’s end.More ...

Recession Altering Plans for Half of Summer Travelers

Higher percentage of Americans than in past summers not planning to travel at all

May 22, 2009

The economic recession is causing 52% of Americans who had summer recreation plans to alter those plans, most commonly by spending less for lodging, food, and entertainment. The percentage of Americans who do not plan to travel at all this summer is higher than in previous years.More ...

Improved Consumer Mood Not Yet Translating Into Action

Perceived standard of living, confidence in U.S. economy up; worry down

January 27, 2009

Americans’ views of the economy, their personal standard of living, and their personal finances are growing more positive, but consumer spending shows no concomitant increase, suggesting that the uptick in consumer psychology has not yet translated into actual economic activity.More ...

Despite Cheaper Gas, New Driving Habits Sticking

Lower-income, younger Americans most likely to be among 12% reverting

December 30, 2008

While 64% of Americans say they significantly changed their driving habits earlier this year as gas prices soared, only 12% now say they have reverted to their old habits as pump prices have plunged in recent months.More ...

Economy Entrenched as Nation’s Most Important Problem

Majorities name economy as top problem in November and December

December 10, 2008

A majority of Americans, 55%, name the “economy in general” as the nation’s top problem in December, as did 58% in November. More broadly, 77% of Americans think some aspect of the economy is what most ails the country.More ...

Consumer Confidence Edges Up as Gas Prices Go Down

Some measures as positive as they have been since early this year

August 15, 2008

The percentage of Americans Gallup classifies as having a negative view of the economy is now as low as it has been since February, dropping in recent weeks in close correspondence to the drop in gas prices.More ...