With Canada Day festivities looming, Canadians are in the mood to celebrate the country’s economic performance despite the widespread uncertainty plaguing global markets, a recent survey by BMO Harris Private Banking suggests.

The survey of 1,000 adults, conducted in mid-June, found that the majority of Canadians (83%) are proud of Canada’s overall economic performance compared to the economies of the United States, Europe and other parts of the world.

Furthermore, 74% said they’re optimistic about Canadian financial markets. Half of respondents anticipate that their investments will grow in value over the next year, including one-third who predict modest gains of between 1% and 5%. Only 12% said they believe their investments will decrease over the next year.

When it comes to global markets, however, Canadians are less bullish. More than 40% have a pessimistic view about what the future holds for global financial markets.

“While the rest of the world stands on shaky economic ground, Canada continues to demonstrate a strong financial position that instills investor confidence,” said Paul Taylor, chief investment officer at BMO Harris Private Banking. “While the country does face a variety of economic challenges, Canadians have much to celebrate this Canada Day.”

Canadians also feel confident about the performance of certain domestic industry sectors: 49% expect the energy sector to grow in the coming years and 48% expect the same from the information technology sector.

In the current environment of volatility, Taylor urges investors to look to defensive sectors offering strong yield, such as consumer staples, telecom, utilities and health care.

“As evidenced by recent world headlines, volatility will continue to characterize the financial markets for the foreseeable future,” said Taylor.

Notwithstanding the positive sentiment, Canadians remain somewhat on edge as the volatility continues. According to the survey, 72% are worried about how economic troubles in other parts of the world may impact Canada’s relative prosperity. The possibility of the U.S. slipping into recession is the primary concern, with 41% of respondents listing this as the top threat to Canada’s prosperity.

Investors also expressed concerned about the sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone, slowing growth in China and India, and tensions in the Middle East.