The US IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism index rose to 55.6 for January from 54.8 in December. The index is 6.5 points above its 12-month average and also 6.5 points above the long-term average. The latest reading was also the highest since before the financial crisis. There was a further increase in the Economic Policy index to 48.5 from 48.3 previously. There was also a strong gain in the Personal Financial Outlook component to 62.3 from 59.8 the previous month. This particular component could be important in suggesting a stronger short-term outlook in the economy, although there is still a risk that the reality will ... (full story)