Hennessy's Index: A number is never just a number

Hennessy's Index is a monthly listing of numbers, written by the CCPA's Trish Hennessy, about Canada and its place in the world. Scroll down for a PDF version.  For other months, visit: http://policyalternatives.ca/index

• 1.57 Trillion
  

  Canadians’ household debt in the second quarter of 2011, reaching an all-time high this year. (Source 1, 2)

• 34.6%

  Canadians’ housing equity at the end of 2010. That represents a 20-year low. (Source)

• 150.8%

  Canadians’ household debt ratio to personal disposable income in the second quarter of 2011, higher than our U.S. neighbours. (Source 1, 2 )

• 148.7%
  

  Canadian households’ credit market debt ratio to personal disposable income, second quarter 2011. (Source)

• 7.6%

  Percentage of Canadian disposable income that goes toward interest payments.(Source) 

• 1 in 10

  Number of Canadians who say even with a credit card or line of credit they would have trouble paying an unforeseen $500 expense. (Source)

• 27%

  Percentage of non-retired Canadians who don’t commit to any type of savings, not even for retirement. (Source)

• 35%

  Percentage of Canadians who say their debt is increasing. (Source)

• 46%

  Number of low-income households who report their debt is increasing. (Source)

• 57%

  Percentage of Canadians who say day-to-day living expenses are the main reason for their rising debt. (Source)

• 1/3

  Proportion of retired Canadian households carrying an average debt load of $60,000 into retirement. (Source)

• 4 in 10

  Number of Canadians who don’t feel confident they’ll have enough money in retirement. (Source)