The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index slipped 4.9 points, or 10.4%, in September, posting a reading of 42.0 vs. 46.9 in August. The index is 5.9 points below its 12-month average of 47.9, 2.4 points below its reading of 44.4 in December 2007 when the economy entered the last recession, and 7.1 points below its all-time average of 49.1. 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 ... (full story)