The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index declined 1.1 points, or 2.0%, in March, posting a reading of 55.3 vs. 56.4 in February 2017. The index is 4.6 points above its 12-month average of 50.7, 10.9 points above its reading of 44.4 in December 2007 when the economy entered the last recession, and 6.1 points above its all-time average of 49.2.