U.S. Consumer Confidence Rebounds in Wake of Mid-term Elections

With exit polls showing that the economy was an important factor to voters as they cast their ballot in last week's mid-term elections, Americans seem to be more optimistic about the future in the wake of the shift in control of Congress.

According to the most recent results of the RBC CASH (Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household) Index, which measured the attitudes of 1,000 Americans earlier this week, consumer sentiment gained nearly nine points this month as the outlook of Americans brightened across the board. As a result, the RBC CASH Index, released today by RBC Financial Group, increased to 92.4 this month, compared to 83.1 in October.

"The post-election rebound in consumer confidence is supported by economic and financial data," said T.J. Marta, Economic and Fixed Income Strategist for RBC Capital Markets. "The S&P 500 has reached record highs, unemployment is at its lowest rate since 2001, personal income growth has trended to its highest rate since 2000 and gasoline prices remain near their lows for the year. Housing does remain an issue, but the correction is mitigated by mortgage rates, which are near their lowest level of the year."

The RBC CASH Index is a monthly national survey of consumer attitudes on the current and future state of local economies, personal finance situations, savings and confidence to make large investments. The Index is composed of four sub-indices: RBC Current Conditions Index; RBC Expectations Index; RBC Investment Index; and, RBC Jobs Index. The Index is benchmarked to a baseline of 100 assigned at its introduction in January 2002. This month's findings are based on a representative nationwide sample of 1,000 U.S. adults polled from November 13 -15, 2006 by survey-based research company Ipsos Public Affairs. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.1 per cent. Highlights of the survey results include:

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