Sweden Consumer Morale Hits 18-Month High

Sweden's household confidence indicator climbed to 102.2 in September 2026 from an upwardly revised 98.4 in the previous month. It marked the highest reading since December 2021, as households' assessment of the economy over the past 12 months turned positive (4 vs -14 in August), although expectations for the coming year became slightly more negative (-5 vs -4). Views on personal finances improved markedly (12 vs 5), while expectations for the next 12 months edged higher (10 vs 9). Labor market concerns also eased, with expectations for unemployment over the next year falling more sharply (4 vs 16), while perceptions of the risk of becoming unemployed remained unchanged at -1. Meanwhile, saving intentions ticked lower (47 vs 49), and plans to purchase capital goods became less negative (-10 vs -12). Households estimated current inflation at 7.4% in September, down from 9.2% in the previous month, while expected inflation over the next 12 months eased to 6.3% from 6.8%.

Sweden’s household confidence indicator rose to 98 in August 2026 from an upwardly revised 97.2 in the previous month. It marked the highest reading since November 2024, as households’ assessment of the economy over the past 12 months improved (-15 vs -19 in July), as well as their expectations for the coming year (-3 vs -8). Views on personal finances remained stable, with assessments of the past 12 months unchanged (4) and expectations for the next 12 months holding steady (9). Moreover, labor market concerns eased, with expectations for unemployment over the next year falling (17 vs 22), while perceptions of the risk of becoming unemployed improved slightly (-1 vs -2). Meanwhile, saving intentions remained unchanged (49), and plans to purchases capital goods became less negative (-12 vs -13). Households estimated current inflation at 9.2% in August from 9.3% in the previous month, while the expected inflation over the next 12 months slightly eased to 6.8% from 6.9%.

Sweden's household confidence indicator climbed to 97.1 in July 2026 from an upwardly revised 94.2 in the previous month. While the latest reading marked the highest level since January 2025, consumer sentiment remained somewhat subdued relative to normal levels, primarily weighed down by weaker expectations for personal finances over the next twelve months and a subdued willingness to make major purchases. Households also continued to regard buying a car within the coming year as highly unlikely. Meanwhile, the survey's remaining components were broadly in line with their long-term averages.