The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index improved by 0.9 points, or 2.0% to 46.0 in September, up from 45.1 in August. The index is 0.9 points below its 12-month average of 46.9, 1.6 points above its reading of 44.4 in December 2007, when the economy entered the recession, and 3.6 points below its all-time average of 49.6. Note: Index readings above 50 indicate optimism; below 50 indicate pessimism. The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index has a good track record of foreshadowing the confidence indicators put out later each month by the University of Michigan and The Conference Board. IBD/TIPP conducted the national poll of ... (full story)