The six-month economic outlook gauge jumped 3.4 points to 56.8, continuing a resurgence since it dipped into pessimistic territory in April, though still a bit below February's 13-year high 57.5.
The six-month personal financial outlook index gained 2.3 points to 65.1, just below the poll's lifetime high of 65.3 in January 2004.
Meanwhile, the measure of confidence in federal economic policies, which had jumped 4.6 points in July, slipped eight-tenths of a point to 52.1. Federal policies have rarely been more popular among Republicans (79.6) or less popular among Democrats (24.8). But independents quietly are becoming mildly optimistic about federal economic policies (51.2). That's the highest reading in more than a decade.
Stock Market Rising
Despite a volatile stock market, the S&P 500 index rose in July, its fourth straight monthly gain. The S&P 500 index closed Monday at a six-month high, just below its Jan. 26 peak. The S&P 500 rose modestly Tuesday morning, less than 1% below an all-time best.
The IBD/TIPP Poll reflects 939 responses collected from July 26 to Aug. 2.
In early July, the China trade war went live with Trump tariffs of 25% on an initial $34 billion in Chinese imports. Trump has since threatened to hit another $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. The Trump administration also pledged to aid farmers hurt by China's retaliation. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq composite hit a record high on July 25. It's just below that peak.
No comments:
Post a Comment