Canadians are feeling far more confident this winter investing in balanced funds, registered retirement savings plans, stocks and their own homes than just three months ago, according to a national poll conducted for Manulife Financial.

The 16th quarterly Manulife Investor Sentiment Index, conducted in mid- December, found Canadians more optimistic about investing in almost every area of the economy, rebounding from a low hit in late 2001 following terrorist attacks on the United States — and weak results last year amid collapses of several major U.S. corporations.

All but two of 10 categories and investment vehicles measured in the regular poll gained ground from three months ago, lifting the index to +19 in December, up five points from September 2002.

“Most Canadians are showing strong confidence in their long-term investment goals,” said Bruce Gordon, Manulife Financial executive vice president and general manager of Canadian Operations.

The biggest upward swings in the past three months occurred for balanced funds (up 15 points), equities/stocks (up 10 points) and registered retirement savings plans (up eight points).

The overall Winter 2002 Manulife Investor Sentiment Index, based on a survey of 1,002 Canadians by Maritz: Thompson Lightstone, reached +19, up from +14 in September and a four-year low for the Index of +11 a year ago.

The quarterly index monitors what Canadians say they feel about 10 different investment categories and vehicles. The index reflects the percentage of those surveyed who say they believe it is a good or very good time to invest — minus the percentage who say it is a bad or very bad time.

A separate question about top financial priorities in 2003 found high interest in paying down credit card and other short-term debts as their top concern (23% chose this as their top priority), particularly in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Among other high priorities were lowering their mortgage balance (cited by 14%), saving for their next big-ticket purchase (14%) and contributing to an RRSP (13%).

The poll by Maritz: Thompson Lightstone was conducted with 1,002 Canadians aged 18 and older between December 12 and December 17, 2002. The results have a margin of error of +/- three%, 19 times out of 20.