The RCM/TIPP Economic Optimism Index increased from 47.2 in January to 48.8 in February (+1.6 pts MoM, +3.4%), staying below the 50 optimism threshold for a sixth straight month and remaining in the report’s pessimistic zone.

• February’s 48.8 reading was 0.66% below the 301-month historical average of 49.1, indicating confidence remained slightly weaker than long-run norms despite the monthly rebound.

• Investor confidence surged +9.7% MoM (+5.3 pts) to 59.8, while non-investor confidence edged up +0.7% (+0.3 pts) to 43.8, widening the investor/non-investor gap from 11.0 to 16.0 pts.

• The Six-Month Economic Outlook improved +1.2% MoM from 43.3 to 43.8, signaling modestly better expectations for near-term economic conditions.

• The Personal Financial Outlook rose +3.6% MoM from 54.9 to 56.9, marking the strongest gain among the index components and indicating improved views of household finances.

• Confidence in Federal Economic Policies increased +5.1% MoM from 43.5 to 45.7, showing firmer assessments of government economic policy effectiveness while remaining below neutral.

• The Financial-Related Stress Index declined -1.3 pts MoM (-2.1%) from 62.9 to 61.6, reflecting slightly lower financial stress but still sitting +1.9% above its long-run average of 60.5.