About the RCM/TIPP Stress Indexes

The RCM/TIPP Financial Stress Index—produced in partnership between RealClearMarkets and TIPP Insights—is a long-running, survey-based measure of Americans’ day-to-day financial strain, specifically their concerns about paying bills and making ends meet.  It has tracked financial stress nationwide since December 2007 and is computed from responses to a single trend question comparing a person’s current financial stress to the prior three months. Scores run from 0 to 100 (higher = more stress), with 50.0 as the neutral midpoint—making it an easy, consistent gauge of how financial pressure may affect consumer confidence and spending.

Explore More TIPP Indexes

Financial stress is one piece of the broader economic picture. The RCM/TIPP Economic Optimism Index tracks how confident Americans feel about the economy, their personal finances, and federal policies, offering a comprehensive view of consumer sentiment.