http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/business/indexes/rasmussen_consumer_index Basically there is no reason for Investors to take the plunge and risk capital in an environment that is hostile to either seeing a return on that investment, or taxing excessively such risk taking. If investors do not risk their capital in business ventures, there will be only very small, limited recovery of either Jobs or GDP. Add in additional long term cost increases in the form of additional Governmental programs and mandates, and there is little reason to think the investor class will be jumping back into the market and providing capital soon. If the Capital Gains tax were lowered a risk of personal capital would be more attractive to investors and new ventures would be started.