The Rasmussen Consumer Index increased a little more than a half point Saturday to 111.5. This was the fifth consecutive day the index has increased and it has risen six points during that period.

Worker confidence across five of seven industry sectors, as measured by the monthly Hudson Employment Index (SM), fell in August 2007, with the biggest drop shown among Hispanics.

Worker confidence declined in eight of eleven major cities surveyed in August by the Hudson Employment Index (SM), which measures the workforce's overall confidence in the employment market.

In a month of roller coaster-like changes in economic confidence, consumers gave their personal finances remarkably consistent ratings.

The Hudson Employment Index (SM) recorded its largest one-month drop in August, falling 6.6 points to 99.2. Nearly all factors contributing to the Index revealed lowered optimism. The latest reading is the weakest since September 2005 and 3.7 points lower than last August’s Index.

Economic confidence among small business owners fell in August after briefly rebounding last month as small business owners expressed less confidence in the economic conditions for their business and experienced more cash flow issues, according to the Discover(R) Small Business Watch(SM).

Three-quarters (75 percent) of U.S. workers think companies have responsibilities to the community.

Consumer spending confidence rebounded slightly in July, according to a random survey of 15,000 US adults conducted last month for the Discover (R) Consumer Spending Confidence Monitor (SM).

While the sale of the Wall Street Journal captured business headlines for weeks, the story failed to capture much public interest.

Following a dramatic drop in June, the Hudson Employment Index(SM) climbed 4.6 points to 105.8 in July. Renewed optimism about personal finances, layoffs and job security triggered the increase.

Economic confidence among small business owners rose in July as more small business owners expressed increased levels of confidence in the economic conditions for their business and reported fewer cash-flow issues.

The Discover(R) Spending Confidence Monitor(sm) revealed only 34 percent of consumers expected to spend more in July than they did in June, a six point decline from last month's inaugural survey.

According to a new survey by Country Insurance & Financial Services, 43 percent believe saving for college is more important, while another 43 percent say retirement takes precedence.

Eighty-six percent (86%) of Americans oppose a proposal to increase gasoline taxes by 50 cents a gallon. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that just 8% favor such a tax hike.

The Hudson Employment Index (SM) plummeted nearly six points in June, dropping from 106.9 in May to 101.2, its lowest reading in nine months.