Economy tendency survey: Firms send strong employment signals

The Economic Tendency Indicator fell from 112.1 in January to 108.4 in February but still points to stronger growth than normal in the Swedish economy. The underlying data show that firms are relatively happy with current levels of demand and have big recruitment plans. Consumers, on the other hand, are in two minds: increasingly concerned about the Swedish economy, but more positive about their personal finances than for eight years.

The confidence indicator for the manufacturing industry fell back again after the sharp rise in January

but remains very high by historical standards. Firms are much more satisfied than normal with their order

books and report optimistic production and employment plans for the next three months.

The confidence indicator for the building and civil engineering industry was largely unchanged in

February and points to a very strong situation for a sixth successive month. Firms’ expectations in terms

of both order books and employment over the next three months are much more optimistic than normal.

The confidence indicator for the retail trade fell sharply in February, primarily a result of specialist retailers

reporting weaker sales growth and greater dissatisfaction with stock levels. In general, retailers’ expectations

in terms of both sales volumes and prices in the coming months are considerably more optimistic

than normal.

The confidence indicator for the private service sector also fell slightly in February, due mainly to firms

being more negative about how their operations have developed over the past three months. They have

also become less and less positive about the state of demand over the past four months.

For further information:

Maria Billstam, Head of Economic Tendency Surveys +46 8 453 59 04

Sarah Hegardt Grant, Head of Communications +46 8 453 59 11,

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