Consumer sentiment reached a six-year low as Americans continued to be rocked by increasing job losses, poor holiday shopping season reports and the ongoing inability of the government and the private sector to stabilize the economy, according to the most recent results of the RBC CASH (Consumer Attitudes and Spending by Household) Index. As a result, the overall RBC CASH Index stands at 13.3 for January 2009, down slightly from 15.3 in December 2008. However, the continued slide in consumer confidence is offset somewhat by an increase in expectations for the future, just days before President-elect Obama is inaugurated.

"Consumer sentiment remains weighed down by concerns about the economy, people's wealth in terms of their home equity and 401(k) values, and the rising prospects of long-term unemployment," said T.J. Marta, Economic and Fixed Income strategist for RBC Capital Markets. "Despite this downcast mood, the tick higher in expectations suggests hope for the future under the new administration, although the outlook is clearly cautious."

Highlights of the survey results include:

- With December unemployment hitting 7.2 per cent, the highest since the early 1990s, the RBC Jobs Index saw an incremental drop of nearly 4 points in January to 61.8, compared to 65.6 last month, and a new all-time low. Personal job loss experience has now touched more than half of all Americans, with 53 per cent of consumers saying they or someone in their close circle has lost their job in the past six months due to the economy, up from 50 per cent last month.

- The RBC Expectations Index was the one bright spot, actually improving in January to -11.3 from -21.2. Although still in negative territory, the Index's improvement may signal rising hope for the future. The improvement may be driven by Americans' openness to the stimulus proposals coming out of Washington rather than any expectation that local economies will improve quickly: Just 30 per cent of survey respondents believe their local economy will be stronger six months from now, up only slightly from 29 per cent last month.

- The RBC Current Conditions Index dropped to another all-time low in January and currently stands at 8.7, compared to 16.5 last month. Consumers increasingly are feeling the effects of the recession, with over a third (37 per cent) saying their personal financial situation is currently weak.

- Americans' overall opinions regarding investing dipped further this month, setting another all-time low. The RBC Investment Index currently stands at 22.5, down from 31.0 in December. Two-thirds of American consumers (66 per cent) say they are less confident now in their ability to make investments for the future including retirement and education than they were six months ago.

"Many consumers appear to be holding their breath to see what the new administration will do to address the struggling economy," added Marta. "A lack of decisive action or some quick results could negatively affect the economic confidence of the American public, causing it to sink yet further."