Sweden Consumer Morale at 21-Month High

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.

Sweden’s household confidence indicator increased to 93.6 in June 2026, picking up from an upwardly revised 92.8 in the previous month. Confidence was supported by a more optimistic assessment of Sweden's economy, both over the past year and for the year ahead. However, views on households' own financial situation and willingness to make major purchases were unchanged, with consumers remaining more pessimistic about their personal finances than the broader economy. Households continued to expect unemployment to rise over the next 12 months (31 vs 27 in May), although concerns about losing their own jobs eased to the historical average (-6 vs -3). Meanwhile, saving intentions remained relatively strong (47 vs 46), while plans to reduce purchases of capital goods persisted (-18 vs -15). Inflation expectations for the next 12 months declined to 7.0%, and households expected variable mortgage rates to average 3.7% over the next one to two years and 3.9% over the next five years.