Canadians hope for a better 2010, but shelve holiday spending, according to
the new RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook Index
Half of Canadians plan to spend less this holiday season
"The recent economic times have left many Canadians feeling uneasy about their financial well-being and this is reflected in their restraint when it comes to holiday spending," said David McKay, group head, Canadian Banking, RBC. "We've reached out to millions of Canadians this year, and it's clear that everyone's situation and goals are unique. We're here to provide advice that's timely and relevant for each one of our customers."
The index measures Canadians' perception of current conditions compared to three months ago, as well as short term (three month) prospects for their personal finances, their job anxiety and a number of other factors. National highlights include:
- Job Anxiety: One in four Canadians (27 per cent) said that a member of their household is worried about losing their job or being laid off. Based on previous polling, job anxiety has risen to its highest point since March 2009. As well, there are significant regional differences in job anxiety, with a third of Albertans (36 per cent) expressing concern about losing their job or being laid off, compared to the national average of 27 per cent. Conversely, only 12 per cent of respondents from Manitoba and Saskatchewan expressed this job anxiety. - Personal Financial Situation (Overall): Nearly four in ten Canadians (39 per cent) think that their personal financial situation is worse than it was three months ago, but more than one in four Canadians (27 per cent) think that their personal financial situation will improve in the next three months. Once again, Canadians are more optimistic in the longer term, with nearly four in ten Canadians (38 per cent) expecting their personal economic situation to improve over the next year. - Interest rates: Canadians are divided on whether interest rates are going up or staying the same, with a small majority (52 per cent) expecting interest rates to rise in the next six months and four in ten Canadians (42 per cent) expecting that interest rates will stay the same over the same period.
"Recovery is in sight for the world economy," said
About The RBC Monthly Canadian Consumer Outlook Index
The RBC Monthly Canadian Consumer Outlook Index was established on
For further information: For further information: Rina Cortese, RBC Corporate Communications, (416) 974-6970; Stephanie Lu, RBC Media Relations, (416) 974-5506
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