Canadians are seeing an upside to investments amid the current economic news, according to a national poll for Manulife Financial released Thursday.

Nine of 10 investment categories and vehicles gained ground in a national poll in mid-June for Manulife, with six areas showing double-digit gains over the last quarterly survey in March.

“We’re seeing some strong signs that Canadians are becoming more optimistic about a range of investing, after favouring safer havens over the previous six months,” said Paul Rooney, president and CEO, Manulife Canada. “Canadians seem more interested in real estate, equity, and investment funds, after a stretch of gloomy economic news since late last year.”

In its latest national survey of Canadians, the 42nd quarterly Manulife Investor Sentiment Index gained nine points to reach +20. That reflects a dramatic increase from December, when the index hit its lowest point in a decade, at plus five, then recovered six points in March.

The index reflects the percentage of those who say they believe it is a good or very good time to invest minus those who feel the opposite.

Among 10 investment categories and vehicles, only cash suffered a setback in the national telephone poll of 1,003 Canadians by Research House, an Environics Company.

For the second straight quarter, the biggest swing came for investment real estate, which gained sharply, while cash faced the toughest rap.

Investment property registered the biggest gain in June, rising 18 points after a 23-point gain in March. Principal residences still remain the most popular investment category — with a wide lead over every other area.


In response to a separate question, more than four out of five surveyed (84%) said they expect their finances will be the same or better in six months.

More than half (52%) predict their financial health will be the same, while almost a third (32%) said their finances will be better. About one in seven (14%) said they expect their finances will be worse by the end of this year.

The poll by Research House was conducted with 1,003 Canadians aged 18 and older between June 17 and 22, 2009. The results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

IE