Consumer confidence in Ontario was down in the second quarter of 2010, according to the Conference Board of Canada’s index of consumer confidence. Sentiment about major purchases declined, as did the outlook for household budgets and employment.

The balance of sentiment about making major purchases, such as a home or a car, fell slightly further into negative territory in the second quarter. A negative balance of opinion means more households said it was a bad time to buy a big-ticket item, such as a home or car, than said it was a good time to do so. This is an important factor underlying the housing market.

The balance of sentiment regarding job growth prospects was also down in the second quarter, but nevertheless remained positive for the third consecutive quarter.