Small-business optimism reported at a record high of 108.8 points, according to the August 2018 Economic Outlook Update (EOU). Consumer confidence is also high—it rose to 133.4 points, its highest level in 18 years. Other highlights from this edition: The Leading Economic Index increased 0.4%, to 111.2 points; housing starts surged 9.2% in August and are 9.4% higher than one year ago; PMI increased 3.2 percentage points, to 61.3 points, recording the highest score since May 2004; and the Producer Price Index declined 0.1%, marking the first decline in a year and a half. The Economic Outlook Update is issued monthly and quarterly. You receive permission to use the material and data it reports in your valuation reports (with proper attribution).