Investor confidence is slowly increasing in Canada, thanks to rebounding financial markets and economic conditions. But the latest Russell Financial Health Index also shows that Canadians remain concerned about having sufficient income in retirement or to compensate for unexpected life occurrences.
Overall, for the first quarter of 2012, the index rose slightly to 47.62—its highest level in more than a year—up from 47.08 the previous quarter.
“Financial markets have had a good start to the year, and that’s helped Canadians feel a little better about their financial security in retirement,” said Bob Leeming, director of client solutions with Russell Investments Canada. “But as baby boomers head into their retirement years, they’re starting to worry about issues such as their health and their spouse’s health. Changes to benefits plans and government programs are having a huge impact on the ability to address all expenses—for example, medical costs—so it’s not surprising that the Russell Financial Health Index is reflecting those issues.”
View the full results of the Russell Financial Health Index here.