Canadians’ investor sentiment climbed to its highest level in more than four years this month, according to a national poll for Manulife Financial.

The quarterly Manulife Investor Sentiment Index, based on a survey in early December, found seven of 10 categories of investments and vehicles gained ground from the last previous poll in September.

RRSPs, RESPs and investing in their own homes showed the strongest gains, while cash, investment property and balanced funds registered slight declines.

The survey of 1,003 Canadians by Maritz Research showed the overall Manulife Investor Sentiment Index gained one point from September, to reach +25 – its highest level since June 2001 and a strong increase from +17 a year ago.

Among six investment categories and four vehicles measured each quarter, all remained in positive territory. Registered Retirement Savings Plans, Registered Education Savings Plans and investing in their own home showed the largest gains since September, with RRSPs up 10 points, RESPs up nine, while investing in their own homes rose seven points.

“We’ve seen some dramatic swings in the index since 2001, but the last several quarters reflect a strong focus on long-term savings and investment plans,” said Bruce Gordon, Manulife Financial’s Senior Executive VP and General Manager, Canada.

Responding to a separate question, more than half of Canadians polled said they’re better off now than five years ago (55%), compared to 21% who feel they are in the same financial condition.

Twenty-three per cent said they feel they’re worse off than in 2000.

When asked about their financial goals, those surveyed said their top priority is to pay down their consumer debts. Twenty-five per cent chose reducing overall debts as their top concern, up from 21% a year ago. Paying down their mortgage ranked second (13%), just ahead of saving for retirement (12%). Seven per cent said saving to buy a home was their top priority.