Sweden Business Confidence Strongest Since 2022

2026-10-29 07:08 By Joshua Ferrer 1 min. read

Sweden’s business confidence indicator rose for a seventh consecutive month to 110.7 in October 2026 from 109.2 in September, reaching its highest level since May 2022 and remaining well above its historical average of 100.

The improvement was driven by a sharp rise in manufacturing, with manufacturing and trade now reporting the strongest confidence.

Demand conditions (-15 vs -18 in September) reflected more positive assessments in manufacturing and services.

Employment was broadly unchanged over the past three months, while hiring plans (7 vs 6) pointed to above-normal workforce growth.

Labor shortages eased slightly to 22% of firms from 20% in September, below the historical average of 25%, although shortages in manufacturing and construction were above normal.

Sales price expectations (24 vs 22) signaled more widespread price increases than usual.

Profitability assessments improved (-2 vs -7 in April), near the historical average, while annual inflation expectations stood at 2.7%.



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Sweden Business Confidence Strongest Since 2022
Sweden’s business confidence indicator rose for a seventh consecutive month to 110.7 in October 2026 from 109.2 in September, reaching its highest level since May 2022 and remaining well above its historical average of 100. The improvement was driven by a sharp rise in manufacturing, with manufacturing and trade now reporting the strongest confidence. Demand conditions (-15 vs -18 in September) reflected more positive assessments in manufacturing and services. Employment was broadly unchanged over the past three months, while hiring plans (7 vs 6) pointed to above-normal workforce growth. Labor shortages eased slightly to 22% of firms from 20% in September, below the historical average of 25%, although shortages in manufacturing and construction were above normal. Sales price expectations (24 vs 22) signaled more widespread price increases than usual. Profitability assessments improved (-2 vs -7 in April), near the historical average, while annual inflation expectations stood at 2.7%.
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