Insights and Trends: A Comprehensive Review of Current U.S. Statistics and Perceptions


Inflation Blame Game: Corporate Scapegoats

Sixty-one percent of U.S. adults believe profit-hunting corporations deserve "a lot" of blame for inflation, up from 52% in 2022. This exceeds the percentage who blame spending by the federal government, the price of foreign oil, the war in Ukraine, or the level of consumer demand.


Republicans and Big Biz

After decades when Republicans routinely viewed big business in a more positive light, their perspective shifted in 2021 and remains notably negative today.


Cost Crash: Goods Go Cheaper

Six goods and services that are cheaper today than they were a year ago.

Graph depicting goods and services being cheaper today than one year ago.

U.S. Emissions: Lightly Green

The U.S. remains among the least emission-intensive countries in the world. In 2021, the U.S. emissions intensity levels were 3 times lower than China, 4 times lower than India, and nearly 5 times lower than the former Soviet Union.


China's Popularity Dips Waning

Negative views of China have become increasingly common in recent years. And now, Americans see China as the greatest threat facing the nation.


EV-olution: Sparks of Progress

How do EVs work? To compare with plug-in hybrid, hybrid electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and gasoline vehicles, click here.


Home Work Perks

Top benefits of working from home: Commuting time saves, on average, about 1 hour a day. Gas and meal costs save about $20.


Tonnage Tiptoes, Recession's Shadow

The truck tonnage index increased 2.1% in June but remains in recession territory.


Purchasing Power in Doldrums!

The U.S. Purchasing Manager Index has been below the 50 mark for 9 straight months. Fifty is the dividing line between U.S. manufacturing expansion and contraction.

A graph displaying the US PMI last 12 months.

Trumping the Odds: 2024 Bet

Political betting markets think it's Trump for the Republican nomination in 2024.

Graph depicting who will win the 2024 Republican Presidential nomination.

Rating Replay: Biden and Trump

After Biden's initial honeymoon period in early 2021, his presidential approval ratings appear much like Trump's.

Graph depicting the real clear politics favorable polling.

Chillflation: Consumer Confidence Surges

A recession has not emerged, and inflation seems to be cooling down. And now, consumers are growing more confident.


Heated Summer Records Sizzle

This summer's average global temperatures are higher than in previous years.


Youthful Wheels Idle

Teenagers and 20-somethings are driving less. The main reasons are resources, money, and time to access a car – and recently, the pandemic.


Footpath Phobia

As a form of traveling, Americans clearly don't like walking. And they also have notably unfavorable views of traveling by bus, taxi, and subway.

Graph depicting the favorable vs unfavorable feelings those have of modes of transportation.

Auto Theft Surge

Car theft rates per 100k residents are historically high.

Graph depicting car theft rates being historically high.

Dairy Queen Reigns

Dairy Queen is the most dominant ice cream chain in about 3 out of 4 US counties.


Holly-wouldn't You Know?

Finally, it seems like Hollywood is back on track. Notice the massive drop in box office returns during the pandemic years and the slow climb back, including Barbie/Oppenheimer.

Graph depicting the recent box office hits.

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