US DATA: Jan IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index +4.7 pts, or +11.0%,
to 47.5. The index is 5.0 pts above its 12-month average and 3.1 pts
above Dec 2007 when recession started. Poll was conducted Jan 2-8. All
components increased. 6m outlook +18.7%, to 50.8. Personal Financial
Outlook +5.5% to 55.7. Confidence in Federal Economic Policies +9.4% to
36.0. “Consumer confidence shows a good improvement this month as
Americans become more optimistic about the six month economic outlook.
Traditionally, 70% of the time in the past ten years confidence improves
in January driven by New Year hopes.” text says. Five of the 21
demographic groups were above 50; 17 groups increased. On the Economic
Outlook component, all but one group improved. On the Personal Financial
component, 15 groups improved and 6 declined. On the Federal Policies
component, 14 groups advanced and seven declined.