Confidence Levels Improving For Alberta’s Business Leaders And Consumers

More than 200 of Alberta's business leaders and more than 900 consumers indicated that their overall confidence in the economy is increasing since July 2012, reversing a downward trend that began in March 2012. The unemployment index steadied in September—following a decline that also began in March 201—indicating both business leaders and consumers are becoming less apprehensive about the job market.

"The reversal of the downward trend we've been seeing since March 2012 is a strong statement about the optimism both business leaders and consumers have about the Alberta economy," says Ian Gunn, Alberta Private Company Services Leader at PwC Calgary.

While the general view of fiscal conditions has remained relatively steady for the past 12 months, the future interest rate index decreased slightly amongst business leaders—after falling sharply in May 2012 and increasing significantly again in July—signifying that more business leaders once again expect interest rates