Economic Tendency Survey December 2009

The Economic Tendency Indicator, which measures business and consumer confidence in the economic situation, rose from 98.9 in November to 101.6 in December. The level of the indicator thus signals that business and consumer sentiment is somewhat stronger than normal. Business: Much stronger than normal situation in retail trade The confidence indicator for the business sector rose six points in December and has now risen for nine consecutive months. All economic sectors made a positive contribution and the indicator’s level shows that the situation in the business sector is somewhat stronger than normal. It is currently at its highest level since the spring of 2008. The strong situation in the retail trade in particular boosted the level, but the situation in the private service sector is now somewhat stronger than normal. Consumer: Household optimism somewhat weaker in December Consumer confidence in the economy was somewhat more negative in December than the previous month and the Consumer Confidence Indicator (CCI) has fallen from 11.4 to 8.8. Households are somewhat less optimistic about both their personal finances and the Swedish economy. Attitudes to whether it is currently the right time to purchase consumer durables are also more negative, as are expectations about the future employment trend. Read more about the Economic Tendency Survey at www.konj.se Roger Knudsen, head of unit for Economic Tendency Survey, phone: 08-453 59 06 or 070-491 36 04 Maria Billstam, Director Consumer Tendency Survey phone: 08-453 59 04