US Economic Sentiment at 5-Month Low: RCM/TIPP

The RealClearMarkets/TIPP Economic Optimism Index for the US fell to 48.3 in October 2025, its lowest reading since May and below market expectations of 49.3. This marks the second consecutive month the index has remained below the neutral 50 mark, signaling ongoing consumer pessimism. The Six-Month Economic Outlook, which gauges expectations for the economy over the next half-year, dropped 5.9% to 42.8 in October. Confidence in Federal Economic Policies, a proprietary RCM/TIPP measure of public sentiment toward government economic effectiveness, declined to 46.4 from 47.3, reversing a brief period above 50.0 that had ended a 47-month streak of pessimism dating back to September 2021. Meanwhile, the Personal Financial Outlook — reflecting how Americans view their own finances over the next six months — rose 4.1%, climbing from 53.4 in September to 55.6 in October.