Canadians said they're reducing spending, putting off buying big-ticket items
The period covered was largely marked by people anticipating and then delighting in rate cuts
Consumers continued to struggle under the weight of elevated interest rates
Economist warns people to be 'prudent' about any rebound in market activity
The central bank's survey shows Canadians' outlook for the future economy was 'pessimistic'
The plan hopes to position the company as an alternative bank
The federal budget is being met with disdain from Canada's innovation industry
However, core retail sales came in higher than many economists expected
Branches and offices being converted into RBC locations will reopen on April 1
Canadian consumers are struggling with higher rates, suggests one economist