By Mario Toneguzzi, Calgary Herald February 8, 2011 6:08 AM

CALGARY - A new survey released Tuesday shows optimism among Albertans about the national economy is the highest in the country.

Almost two-thirds (61 per cent) of Albertans feel Canada's economy is going to improve in 2011, according to the January 2011 RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook Index.

The survey also said Alberta residents are the most confident that their own financial situation will improve this year, registering a positive outlook of 48 per cent compared with the national average of 38 per cent.

RBC said Albertans' confidence in their finances may be reflected in their spending over the holidays. The survey found that almost one-third (31 per cent) of Albertans overspent their holiday season budgets, on average spending $507 more than they intended to over the holidays, compared with the national average of $429.

Albertans' rosy outlook on the economy is matched by RBC Economics forecast for the provincial economy. It's expected to be only behind Saskatchewan this year in growth.

"We're projecting that Alberta's growth will reach 4.3 per cent in 2011, the fastest growth this province has seen since 2006, as its all-important energy sector boosts a broader-based recovery," said Craig Wright, senior vice-president and chief economist, RBC.

The RBC survey also said job anxiety in Alberta has dropped from 31 per cent in January 2010 to 19 per cent in January 2011 and over the next year, 21 per cent of Albertans plan to spend more on major purchases, one per cent above the national average.

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