Canadians Show Signs of Financial Improvement but Continue to Feel the Cost-of-Living Squeeze: TransUnion Canada Study

* 86% of Canadians surveyed rank inflation among their top three household financial concerns; 51% continue to cut discretionary spending * Despite improving financial optimism over household finances, 50% say their income isn’t keeping pace with inflation * One quarter (25%) of consumers plan to apply for new credit, but many remain cautious about borrowing costs * As fraud threats rise, 40% of Canadians surveyed now check their credit report at least monthly TORONTO, July 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadians are showing modest signs of financial improvement, but affordability pressures continue to shape how they spend, borrow and protect themselves financially, according to TransUnion's (NYSE: TRU) Q2 2026 Canada Consumer Pulse Study. While financial optimism has improved over the past year, with 45% of Canadians surveyed expressing optimism about their household finances over the next 12 months, many households continue to feel financially stretched. Half (50%) of Canadians surveyed said their income isn't keeping pace with inflation, while 86% ranked inflation among their top three household financial concerns.