Economic Tendency Survey, March 2011

The Economic Tendency Indicator fell a full point in March from its peak in February but remains considerably above the average.

Business: Continued optimism in business sector

The confidence indicator for the business sector fell three points in March from its peak in February. This fall applies to all sectors except the manufacturing industry.

Consumer: Households less positive about personal finances

Household optimism about the economy weakened in March. The Consumer Confidence Indicator (CCI), which measures confidence in personal finances and the Swedish economy, fell just over two points to 19.0. This is a total fall of nearly ten points since the peak in September 2010, but the CCI remains considerably above the average. The Macro Index and the Micro Index also fell in March by 1.1 points and 2.9 points respectively.

For further information:

Roger Knudsen, Director of Economic Tendency Survey, +46-8 453 59 06 or +4670-491 36 04

Fredrik Paues, Research, phone: +46-8 453 59 84

Torbjörn Lindquist, Consumer Tendency Survey, phone: +46-8 453 59 52

Sarah Hegardt Grant, Head of Communications, phone: 46-8-453 59 11