TORONTO – A new report based on an online survey this month suggests Canadian consumers are getting more optimistic about the economy, reversing a trend after three quarters of decline.

The survey, which collected 1,500 responses in November, found that nearly two-thirds of the respondents indicated they believe the economy is growing, the highest reading since July 2011.

Results of the survey by the Gandalf Group are contained in the most recent Consumerology Report by Bensimon Byrne.

The report said 55 per cent of the respondents believed they were better off than a year ago while 45 per cent believed they were worse off.

The firm’s research also suggests the higher the income of a Canadian, the better the current economy is treating them.

Half of those making $50,000 or less per year said they were doing better than last year, and the figure rises to 70 per cent among those making $100,000 or more. Continue…