Economic Tendency Survey, April 2010

After having risen 36 points between April 2009 and February 2010, the Economic Tendency Indicator has declined somewhat over the past two months. It fell back just over one point between March and April, but remains at a level signalling stronger than normal business and consumer sentiment.

Business: Business sector planning for increased employment The confidence indicator for the business sector rose three points between the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2010. The indicator has risen just over 40 points in 12 months and is considerably above the historic average. Consumer: Households increasingly optimistic The Consumer Confidence Indicator (CCI), which measures confidence in personal finances and the Swedish economy, rose 3.9 points to 19.5 in April. Households are thus considerably more positive about the economic situation than normal. Consumer confidence in the Swedish economy and the labour market is increasing. The Macro Index rose nearly 10 points to 31.5 in April. The Micro Index, which measures consumer confidence in personal finances, also rose somewhat from 6.1 in March to 7.3 in April. For more information contact: Roger Knudsen, Director of Economic Tendency Survey phone: +46-8 453 59 06 or +4670-491 36 04 Maria Andersson, Director of Consumer Tendency Survey phone: +46-8 453 59 52