Negative consumer outlook could be a positive

A recent newspaper article entitled ‘Negative consumer outlook could hurt recovery’ sparked questions inside my little round head.

Maybe consumers are being cautious re spending for several good reasons.

When an economic analyst says ‘an undercurrent of more negative economic news combined with new harmonized sales and eco taxes in some provinces is acting like an undertow,’ I begin to think an undertow - pulling consumers out of malls and keeping over-stretched credit cards out of harm’s way - can be a positive thing.


And a weaker or retreating economy may lead to more talk re a sustainable economy and managing our spending - at all levels - in a sustainable manner. (Growing personal, municipal, provincial and federal debt isn’t sustainable, is it?)

So, to all consumers who are growing ‘increasingly concerned about the future’ (see article) and are reducing soending, paying down debt and saving for tough times ahead, I tip my hat.

Keep up the good work.

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Let me know when, e.g., developers start designing affordable 900 sq. ft. homes in large numbers, thus sparking a move toward a smaller economy.

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