Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations—Third Quarter of 2026

Results of the third-quarter 2026 survey show that consumers’ long-term inflation expectations rose to match elevated shorter-term expectations. Consumers continued to cite trade tensions and energy prices as key sources of inflation. Expectations at all horizons moved higher following the breakdown of trade talks between Canada and the United States. Before trade talks broke down, the Canadian Survey of Consumer Expectations (CSCE) indicator edged higher, reflecting improvements in consumers’ views of their financial health. Consumers cited gains in financial asset values and greater confidence in the labour market as reasons for these improved views of financial health. Workers’ perceptions of the labour market moved closer to their survey average. Perceptions improved among workers more exposed to trade with the United States but deteriorated among workers in sectors where artificial intelligence poses a higher risk of task replacement. At the same time, spending plans deteriorated from already weak levels as high prices and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on consumers.