Canadians’ investment sentiment held steady for the third straight quarter in March, at its highest point in almost five years, according to a national poll for Manulife Financial.

The quarterly Investor Sentiment Index for March remained at +25 – to match its best showing since June 2001, the same level as December and one point above last September’s index. A year ago, the index registered +17.

“Since 2001, investors have witnessed some dramatic changes, but the last three quarters suggest a stable and relatively high level of confidence in long-term savings and investment plans,” said Bruce Gordon, Manulife Financial’s senior executive vp and general manager, Canada, in a release.

The survey of 1,000 Canadians by Maritz Research showed four of 10 categories of investments and vehicles gained ground from the last previous poll in December. Balanced funds, stocks and cash hit five-year highs, while mutual funds are at their highest since mid-2001. Registered Education Plans and real estate registered the largest declines.

Among six investment categories and four vehicles measured each quarter, all remained in positive territory. Four areas rose to five-year highs since December, with cash up 11 points, mutual funds up five, while balanced funds gained four points and stocks were up three.

The quarterly index monitors how Canadians say they feel about investing in 10 different categories and vehicles. 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.