Economic Tendency Survey, May 2011

The Economic Tendency Indicator rose two points between May and April and is considerably above the historic average. The high level indicates continued strong growth in the Swedish economy.

Business: Continued strong employment in business sector

The confidence indicator for the business sector fell back one point in May, declining for the third consecutive month. The decline in May is due to a fall in the indicators for the construction industry and the private service sector. The retail trade condence indicator remained unchanged, while the indicator for the manufacturing industry rose somewhat.

Consumer: Households expect higher interest rates

Household optimism remained strong in May. The Consumer Confidence Indicator (CCI), which measures confidence in personal finances and the Swedish economy, rose somewhat to 17.9. This is just over ten points below the peak in September 2010, but the CCI remains above the historic average. The Macro Index fell 1.4 points in May and the Micro Index fell 0.4 points.

Read the summary attached, or on www.konj.se/english

For more information:

Roger Knudsen, Head of Economic Tendency Survey, phone: +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 or +4670-267 80 41

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