US DATA: May IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index -0.8 pt or -1.6% to 48.5
vs 49.3 in April. Two of 3 components fell: 6m outlook -1.7 pts and
Confidence in Fed’l policies -2.3 pts. But Personal Finances +1.5 pts.
Survey was taken Apr 27-May 4 (payroll date), and text blamed still
high unemployment for the dip. The May index is 4.5 points above its
12-month average of 44.0 and 4.1 points above its reading of 44.4 in Dec
2007 when the economy entered into the recession.