US Economic Sentiment Slips In August

The RealClearMarkets/TIPP Economic Optimism Index edged down to 45.1 in August 2026 from 45.5 in July, missing market expectations of 47.5 and remaining below the neutral 50 mark. The Six-Month Economic Outlook index fell to 39.9 from 42.1, reflecting weaker expectations for the economy. Meanwhile, the Personal Financial Outlook, which measures households' expectations for their finances over the next six months, rose to 53 from 52.2, remaining the only component above the neutral threshold. Confidence in Federal Economic Policies, a measure of views on the effectiveness of government economic policies, also improved slightly, edging up to 42.3 from 42.1.

The RealClearMarkets/TIPP Economic Optimism Index rose to 45.5 in July 2026 from 42.5 in May, beating market expectations of 45. The Six-Month Economic Outlook, which measures how consumers perceive the economy’s prospects in the next six months, increased to 42.1 from 37.1. Also, the Personal Financial Outlook, a measure of how Americans feel about their own finances in the next six months, rose to 52.2 from 50.1, remaining the only component anchored at the 50 line. Confidence in Federal Economic Policies, a measure of views on the effectiveness of government economic policies, rose to 42.1 from 40.2

The RealClearMarkets/TIPP Economic Optimism Index edged down to 42.5 in June 2026 from 42.6 in May, falling short of expectations for a rise to 44.5 and marking a third consecutive month near April’s lows. The reading suggests consumer sentiment remains stuck at subdued levels rather than showing signs of recovery. The index has now remained below the neutral 50 threshold for ten straight months, indicating persistent pessimism among Americans. The Six-Month Economic Outlook component fell 1.9% to 37.1, its weakest level since June 2024, reflecting growing concerns about the economy’s near-term prospects. Meanwhile, the Personal Financial Outlook slipped marginally to 50.1 from 50.3, remaining the only component close to neutral territory. In contrast, confidence in Federal Economic Policies improved slightly, rising to 40.2 from 39.8.