Confidence

The real problem with a lack of confidence is that it becomes a downward spiral. Less confidence begets even less confidence and the economy gets worse. That's why we need our political leaders to point out weak though the economy is it isn't end times bad. In fairness, with some waffling, that has been the message sent from Ottawa.

"We have nothing to fear but fear itself".

Shoppers brave the cold for Boxing Day deals

Thousands of shoppers braved the cold and snow Friday to head to malls across the country for the best bargains of the year. Retailers were offering major discounts of as much as 80% on Boxing Day in a bid to lure consumers whose confidence has been hurt by a faltering economy and wide-ranging predictions of a recession. Stores were offering bargain-hunters early opening hours and later closing times. In Toronto, long lineups outside electronics giants Future Shop and Best Buy began around midnight. As the Toronto stores opened at 6 a.m. local time, hundreds of people barged through the doors grabbing big-screen plasma TVs, video-gaming systems and MP3 players that were deeply discounted. Stores that sell clothing and electronics, the two most popular items on Boxing Day shopping lists, had slashed their prices by as much as 80%. Even though many items have been on sale for 50, 60 and 70% off since late November, retailers promised shoppers there were still larger savings to be had.
James Morton