Rasmussen: Consumer Confidence Falls To ALL TIME LOWS

The Rasmussen Consumer Index, which measures consumer confidence on a daily basis, fell two points on Monday to 55.5. That’s the lowest level of confidence ever recorded in the seven-year history of the Consumer Index, and the fourth time a new low has been set this month.

The Rasmussen Investor Index fell nearly four points on Monday to 56.9, also a record low. For the Investor Index, the previous low had been established in mid-December.

The drop for both has been fairly significant. The Consumer Index has fallen eight points over the past month and 39 points over the past year. The Investor Index has fallen nine points over the past month and 45 points over the past year.

One month ago today was the first Index update based entirely upon interviews completed while Barack Obama was President. Since that time, assessments of current economic conditions have changed little. However, expectations of future economic performance has fallen dramatically (among consumers, from 70.8 to 58.5).

Among all consumers, 8% say the economy is getting better while 70% say it is getting worse. One month ago, 11% said things were getting better and only 65% said worse.

Among investors, just 7% say things are getting better and 74% take the opposite view.

Investor confidence is low enough that 34% would put new investment money in a savings account. Just 30% would opt for a real estate investment and only 16% are eyeing the stock market.

The latest COUNTRY Financial Security Index (SM) reveals a steady six-month decline in Americans' financial security.

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The Rasmussen Consumer Index and Investor Index are derived from nightly telephone surveys of 500 adults and reported on a three-day rolling average basis. The baseline for the Index was established at 100.0 in October 2001. Readings above 100.0 indicate that confidence is higher than in the baseline month. Detailed supplemental information is available for Premium Members. Historical data for the Consumer and Investor indexes as well as attitudes about the economy and personal finances are also available to Premium Members.

The Rasmussen Consumer Index reached its highest level ever at 127.0 on January 6, 2004. The all-time low was reached on February 23, 2009 at 55.5.

The Rasmussen Investor Index reached its highest level ever at 150.9 on January 7, 2004. The lowest level ever measured was 56.9 on February 23, 2009.

The baseline for the Rasmussen Consumer Index was established at 100.0 in October 2001. At 55.5 the overall levels of economic confidence are significantly lower today than they were in the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Sphere: Related Content