Retail rebounds as tendency indicator remains firmly positive

The Economic Tendency Indicator changed only marginally in February, from 111.9 to 111.6, and continues to point to an ebullient economy. All parts of the business sector report a strong or very strong situation. Retail confidence has recovered from the fall in January and is now back slightly above normal levels. Consumers remain upbeat.

The confidence indicator for the manufacturing industry fell a point in February but still reflects a much stronger situation than normal. Both firms’ view of their current order books and stocks of finished goods and their production plans for the coming months are contributing to this strong picture.

The confidence indicator for the building and civil engineering industry gained another point and once again shows a very strong situation. Firms are happy with the current state of their order books, and their recruitment plans for the next three months are considerably more optimistic than normal.

The confidence indicator for the retail trade gained 3.7 points and is now back above the historical average. Despite positive expectations, firms again reported slightly weaker sales growth than normal over the past three months.

The confidence indicator for the service sector moved only marginally and remains a fair way above the historical average. Firms report healthy demand for their services in recent months, and their expectations for demand and employment in the coming months remain optimistic.

Access the statistical database on www.konj.se/english

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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