The RCM/TIPP Economic Optimism Index fell -4.4 pts (-9.1% MoM) to 43.9 in November 2025, marking its third straight month below the neutral 50 threshold and signaling deepening consumer pessimism. The index now stands 10.7% below its long-term average of 49.2.

• Investor confidence dropped -1.9 pts (-3.1%) to 58.6, while non-investor confidence fell -4.4 pts (-10.4%) to 38.0, widening the optimism gap to 20.6 pts from 18.1 in October.

• The Six-Month Economic Outlook declined -2.8 pts (-6.5%) to 40.0, showing further deterioration in expectations for near-term economic conditions.

• The Personal Financial Outlook fell -5.0 pts (-9.0%) to 50.6, remaining barely above neutral and reflecting weaker household confidence in future finances.

• Confidence in Federal Economic Policies slid -5.3 pts (-11.4%) to 41.1, its third consecutive decline after briefly rising above neutral in August.

• The Financial-Related Stress Index increased +1.9 pts (+3.0%) to 65.2, its highest since early 2023 and 7.9% above the long-term average (60.4), pointing to mounting financial strain.

• Only 4 of 21 demographic groups were optimistic in November, down from 6 in October and 10 in August, indicating a narrowing base of positive sentiment.

• Inflation and tariffs—especially food prices—remained top concerns, while the government shutdown and tight monetary policy were cited as key factors weighing on confidence.