Highlights
Consumers continue to be pessimistic according to the RBC CASH (Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household) Index. The April index dropped to a reading of 29.5, an all time low, from 33.1 in March. The survey found that while consumer attitudes regarding current conditions and investments show signs of stabilizing, confidence in future personal financial conditions continue to weaken.

The RBC Expectations Index declined to minus 48.3, compared to minus 41.6 last month. While not as precipitous a decline as seen in the 34 point drop in March, the downturn in the index reinforces the overall pessimism consumers have regarding a quick economic recovery. The decline in the index is being driven by consumers' increasing negativity regarding expectations for personal finances.

The RBC Current Conditions Index, at 54.6, held steady when compared to the 54.7 registered last month. Negative views of the current state of their local economy dramatically outweighed positive views, with four in ten consumers (41 percent) rating their local economy as weak, while only 15 percent rate their local economy as strong. Attitudes toward the current state of personal finances remained unchanged. Job security continued to erode this month driven by an increase in personal job loss experience.

The RBC Jobs Index reached its lowest level in four years in April, and currently stands at 97.0, down from 99.2 last month. Four in ten Americans (40 per cent) reported job loss in their immediate circle this month, up from 36 per cent in March.

2008 Release Schedule

Released On: 1/11 2/8 3/7 4/11 5/9 6/5 7/3 8/7 9/11 10/9 11/13 12/11 Released For: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec