A recent survey of Financial Post readers has painted a picture of cautious optimism mixed with significant apprehension as Canada heads into 2026. The Financial Post Wealth Survey, conducted in December 2025, gathered insights from 1,660 respondents on their financial experiences over the past year and their worries for the future.
Navigating a Turbulent 2025: Gains Amid Challenges
Despite facing a year marked by a cross-border trade war and persistent inflation, a notable portion of readers reported coming out ahead. Approximately 45% of respondents stated their financial position was "better" at the end of 2025 compared to the beginning of the year. In contrast, 23% felt they were in a worse position, while 32% reported no significant change.
This personal resilience, however, contrasted with a more pessimistic view of the nation's fiscal health. Nearly half of the survey participants, 46%, believed the federal budget presented in November 2025 left Canada in a worse financial position. This budget, which confirmed a GST removal for first-time homebuyers and promoted capital investment, also projected a substantial deficit of $78.3 billion for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Trade Tensions and Consumer Sentiment
The trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, which triggered tariffs on both sides of the border, was a defining economic event. While Canada removed most of its counter-tariffs in September, the perception of who holds the advantage is clear. A striking 72% of Financial Post readers believe the United States is currently "winning" the trade dispute.
One notable side effect of the trade tensions has been a surge in economic patriotism. The survey found that more than 75% of readers are consciously making an effort to purchase Canadian-made goods, sustaining the "Buy Canada" movement even as some tariff pressures have eased.
Anxiety Points for 2026: Bubbles, AI, and Living Costs
Looking forward, readers identified several key concerns that are shaping their financial outlook for the new year.
Stock Market Bubble Fears: The explosive growth in artificial intelligence spending by major technology firms has sparked worries about market stability. Close to 70% of respondents think U.S. stock markets are in a bubble. Opinions were evenly split on whether the Toronto Stock Exchange faces a similar risk, though the TSX's heavier weighting in financial and energy sectors offers a different profile than the tech-heavy U.S. indices.
The AI Adoption Gap: Interestingly, despite AI's market-moving influence, personal and professional adoption among readers remains low. Only about one-third use AI tools regularly at home, and a mere 20% use them frequently in their jobs.
The Persistent Cost-of-Living Crisis: Inflation remains the paramount worry. With the Consumer Price Index rising 2.2% year-over-year in November 2025 and grocery price inflation hitting multi-year highs, the financial pressure on households is a dominant theme. This concern is compounded by the lingering effects of tariff-related price increases.
The Financial Post Wealth Survey ultimately reveals a Canadian readership that has demonstrated financial fortitude in a complex year but is approaching 2026 with eyes wide open to significant economic risks and uncertainties.
