The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index gained 3.4 points, or 6.6%, in December, posting a reading of 54.8 vs. 51.4 in November. The index is 6.2 points above its 12-month average of 48.6, 10.4 points above its reading of 44.4 in December 2007 when the economy entered the last recession, and 5.7 points above its all-time average of 49.1. Note: Index readings above 50 indicate optimism; below 50 indicate pessimism.