US Economic Sentiment Improves to 6-Month High

The RealClearMarkets/TIPP Economic Optimism Index for the US rose to 48.8 in February 2026, the highest since August and above market expectations of 47.9. The Six-Month Economic Outlook, which measures how consumers perceive the economy's prospects in the next six months, gained 1.2%, from 43.3 in January to 43.8 in February. The Personal Financial Outlook, a measure of how Americans feel about their own finances in the next six months, rose 3.6% from its previous reading of 54.9 in January to 56.9 this month. Confidence in Federal Economic Policies, a proprietary RCM/TIPP measure of views on the effectiveness of government economic policies, improved to 45.7 in February from 43.5 in January, a 5.1% gain.

The RealClearMarkets/TIPP Economic Optimism Index for the US fell to 47.2 in January 2026 from 47.9 in December, missing market expectations of 48.2. The Six-Month Economic Outlook, which measures how consumers perceive the economy's prospects in the next six months, declined 2.5%, from 44.4 in December to 43.3 in January. Confidence in Federal Economic Policies, a proprietary RCM/TIPP measure of views on the effectiveness of government economic policies, slipped to 43.5 in January from 45.4 in December, a 4.2% loss. The Personal Financial Outlook, a measure of how Americans feel about their own finances in the next six months, rose 1.7% from its previous reading of 54.0 in December to 54.9 this month.

The RealClearMarkets/TIPP Economic Optimism Index for the US climbed 9.1% to 47.9 in December 2025, rebounding from a 17-month low of 43.9 in November and surpassing market expectations of 44.1, following the resolution of the US government shutdown. Despite the increase, the index remained below the neutral 50 level for the fourth consecutive month, indicating that consumer sentiment is still cautious. The Six-Month Economic Outlook, which gauges expectations for the economy over the next half-year, rose 11.0% to 44.4. The Personal Financial Outlook, reflecting how Americans view their own finances in the coming six months, increased 6.7% to 54.0. Confidence in Federal Economic Policies, a proprietary RCM/TIPP measure of perceptions on government economic management, improved 10.5% to 45.4.