Consumer Confidence

National consumer confidence ticked lower April 2024, after rising for four consecutive months according to the Conference Board of Canada’s survey-based index of consumer confidence.

Concerning job prospects over the next six months, the number of respondents expecting stability ticked lower in April. The number of respondents expecting a decline in job opportunities moved higher as the number of those unsure or expecting better conditions fell in April.

Regarding expectations for their household budget over the next six months, the number of respondents expecting stability moved sideways from the previous month in April. The number of respondents expressing pessimism over their future financial situation edged up slightly while those who expressed optimism moved lower.

Sentiment about making major purchases, like a home or a car, remains at historically subdued levels across the country but improved slightly in April. The overall percentage of respondents who thought it was a good time to make a major purchase was at one of its lowest levels on record but moved higher in April, as the number of those who were uncertain moved lower.

Note: Based on 3-month moving averages.