In the US, an average measure of confidence based on telephone interviews conducted with approximately 1 000 adults nationwide each month by the TIPP poll service. The three questions asked are about the possibility of economic conditions improving, the possibility of personal financial situation improving, and the degree of satisfaction with current economic policies. The index can range from 0 to 100, and is derived by comparing the positive and negative responses while disregarding non-responses (such as ‘not sure’ or ‘no answer’).

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/united-states/economic-optimism-index The web page providing access to the latest data on the optimism index.