Mentions exceed those for healthcare, unemployment, other financial issues
November 19, 2009
Reflecting an often-overlooked aspect of today’s job crisis, one in six Americans now mention lack of money or low wages as the most important financial problem facing their families today -- tying a five-year high for the question and more than name healthcare, unemployment, or any other financial issue.More ...
Even as Wall Street soars, consumer spending is down 23% from the same week a year ago
November 17, 2009
There appears to be little holiday cheer on Main Street, according to Gallup’s key economic indicators, as consumer spending was down 23% last week from the same week last year. Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index and Job Creation Index remained essentially unchanged from the previous week.More ...
Americans reported spending an average of $62 per day last week, down from $65 the week prior and $81 a year ago -- not yet signaling a boost for the holiday spending season.
After several months of decreased concern, Americans in November are more likely than last month to cite economic concerns as the most important problem facing the country. Now, 31% mention the economy in general and 20% mention unemployment as the top problem. Healthcare (22%) also figures prominently.More ...
Still, fewer now than last year say they will be spending less than a year ago
November 16, 2009
Americans’ estimate of the total amount they will spend on Christmas gifts this year is now $638, essentially matching the record lows from November and December 2008. Fewer Americans say they will be spending less on gifts this year than said this a year ago, while most say they will spend the same amount.More ...
Only 8% of Americans say now is a good time to find a quality job
November 11, 2009
A new Gallup poll conducted Nov. 5-8 finds a widespread lack of optimism about the job market, with 8% of Americans saying this is a good time to find a quality job, and little variation regardless of gender, region, income, or education.More ...
Double-digit unemployment and higher gas prices send confidence and spending tumbling
November 10, 2009
Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index fell to a 15-week low as a 26-year high in the unemployment rate and a new 2009 high in gas prices more than offset any potential confidence benefits associated with the gains in the Dow.More ...
Hiring increased and layoffs decreased in South and West -- but unchanged in Midwest, West
November 5, 2009
Job-market conditions improved in October, driven by improvements in the South and the East, with hiring up and layoffs down in both regions. Still, the job situation is unchanged in the Midwest and West.More ...
Economic confidence, jobs, and spending improve around Halloween
November 3, 2009
Halloween may have buoyed consumer spirits as Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index, Job Creation Index, and Consumer Spending measure all rebounded from prior- week declines -- returning to or nearing their best levels of the past several weeks and reflecting the variability of today’s consumer economic perceptions.More ...
