Consumers may not be feeling as ‘rosy’ as the economy appears to be - National

Economic Overview - Canada's GDP increased in September, allowing the country to avoid a technical recession despite ongoing trade war and tariff uncertainties [2][8] - The unemployment rate fell slightly in October, marking the first drop in three months, but remains around 7%, the highest in four years [3][8] Consumer Behavior - Average household spending per capita fell by 0.2% from July to September, with 41% of Canadians planning to spend less during the holidays compared to last year [5][10] - Consumer confidence has been at historic lows throughout the year, reflecting concerns about the overall economy and job market [2][8] Price Trends - The Consumer Price Index for October showed an average price increase of 2.2% compared to the same period in 2022, with food prices rising by 3.4% [7][8] - Despite some positive economic indicators, consumers are facing higher prices than the previous year, leading to increased precautionary savings [9][10] Economic Sentiment - Experts suggest that while macroeconomic indicators may show growth, individual experiences can vary significantly, with many feeling economically strained [6][11] - The Bank of Canada noted the cautious consumer sentiment, attributing it to concerns about job security and economic stability [10][11]