US: IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index drops to 52.6 in December vs 57.3 expected

"The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index, a leading national poll on consumer confidence, declined 6.7 percent in December to an overall reading of 52.6," Investor's Business Daily reported on Tuesday.

Key takeaways from the press release

• This is its lowest mark since April and its second consecutive month trending down. 
• After rising in the previous two months, December’s Presidential Leadership Index demonstrated a decline, moving from 43.9 to 42.7-- a 2.7 percentage drop. 
• The National Outlook Index also decreased, dipping 4.7 percent from 47.0 to 44.8.

Terry Jones, IBD's Commentary Editor: “The mood of consumers seems to have soured slightly after bitter midterm elections, ongoing trade wars, significant layoffs at GM, and international turmoil.” 

"Americans are growing more concerned about their financial outlook, particularly over the next six months. While we’re nowhere near the panic stage, and are still maintaining higher than average economic optimism numbers, the ground is a little shakier."