TORONTO - 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 per cent of Canadians believe the overall outlook for the economy is good -- up from 54 per cent the last quarter. And 20 per cent said they were anxious about their jobs -- down seven points from its height last November.
But looking ahead, only 55 per cent said they expected Canada's economy to improve over the next year -- down by two points from March. And 34 per cent 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 per cent 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 per cent feared the situation will worsen over the next three months.
Interest rates remain a major issue, with 67 per cent of Canadians saying they are concerned about rising interest rates, and 84 per cent 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.
