Financial Surveys & Statistics

Here are some random, but relevant statistics that I’ve collected the past week.

28% – The percentage of U.S. adults classified as obese last year, unchanged from 2008. But 34.7% of Americans said last year that they engaged in regular exercise, up from 31.9% in 2008. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

47% – Forty-seven percent of U.S. voters agree that it was appropriate for President Obama to fire America’s top commander in Afghanistan this week. Thirty-six percent (36%) disagree and say the president should not have removed General Stanley McChrystal from his command. Another 17% are not sure. (Source: Rasmussen Reports)

127 – The number of decibels produced by South Africa’s vuvuzela, the plastic trumpet that has become a fixture at World Cup matches and easily drowns out a chain saw (producing 100 decibels). A global hearing foundation has warned that extended exposure to noises above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing damage. (Source: Reuters)

49% – The percentage of Americans who say that BP should continue to be in charge of efforts to control the spill, compared with 45% who say that the federal government should assume responsibility. Six percent are undecided. (Source: Gallup Inc.)

40% – The chance that BP PLC will default on its debt within five years, as implied by trading in credit default swaps on the company. In mid-May, CDS trading implied a 7% risk of default. (Source: CMA DataVision)