Source: The Canadian Press
Canadians, according to the June RBC Consumer Outlook Index, see some silver linings in the economic clouds, as well as continued stormy weather.
The index suggests 67% of Canadians believe the overall outlook for the economy is good — up from 54% the last quarter. And 20% said they were anxious about their jobs — down seven points from its height last November.
But looking ahead, only 55% said they expected Canada’s economy to improve over the next year — down by two points from March. And 34% said their ability to save money for things like retirement or education was slightly better than it was three months ago — a five point drop from last quarter.
Some 37% said they have less money left over after paying their bills than they did three months ago (a decline of four points from March) and 20% feared the situation will worsen over the next three months.
Interest rates remain a major issue, with 67% of Canadians saying they are concerned about rising interest rates, and 84% expecting rates to continue rising over the next six months.
Overall, the June RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook Index remained flat at 108 points from last quarter.