The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index gained 0.7 points, or 1.6% in September, posting a reading of 45.2 vs. 44.5 in August. The index is 0.6 points above its 12-month average of 44.6, 0.8 points above its reading of 44.4 in December 2007 when the economy entered the recession, and 4.0 points below its all-time average of 49.2. 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 ... (full story)