PRESS RELEASE BUSINESS TENDENCY SURVEY QUARTERLY, JANUARY 2010
Increasingly optimistic business sector
The confidence indicator for the business sector rose 15 points between the third and fourth quarters of 2009. It has risen nearly 40 points from its lowest level in the first quarter of 2009 and is currently considerably above the historic average.
On the way upMan of textiles, clothing and leather products
Man of other products of wood
Man of paper and paperboard
Man of rubber and plastic products
Man of other non-metallic mineral products
Iron and steel basic products
Man of fabricated metal products
Man of machinery and equipment n.e.c.
Man of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers
Construction
Wholesale trade
Retail sale of durable goods
Hotels and restaurants
Land transport
Activities of travel agencies and tour operators
Post and telecommunications
Letting of own property
Rental (excl. personnel)
Computer and related activities
Other business activities
The business situation is strong for:Man of food, beverages and tobacco
Sawmilling and planing of wood, impregnation of wood
Man of pulp
Man of electrical machinery and apparatus n.e.c.
Sale, maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
Retail sale of non-durable goods
The business situation is weak for:Publishing, printing and reprod of recorded media
Man of chemicals and chemical products
Man of other transport equipment
Real estate activities on a fee or contract basis
New orders to the Swedish manufacturing industry from the domestic and export markets rose considerably in the fourth quarter of 2009. Output growth was strong. However, employment continued to decline. The confidence indicator rose 10 points and is currently above the historic average. The industry is optimistic about the first quarter of 2010 and forecasts considerable order and output growth.Construction activity stabilised in the fourth quarter, following an 18-month decline. The order situation remains weak, with nearly 60 per cent of firms reporting insufficient order books. The sector does not forecast any major changes this quarter, but there is growing optimism about the coming year, with nearly 40 per cent of firms anticipating an improvement in the construction market over the next 12 months.
The confidence indicator for the retail trade rose more than 20 points between the third and fourth quarters and is currently considerably above its normal value. Retail sales volumes rose considerably, with all sub-sectors now reporting growth. The sector is very optimistic about the first quarter of the year and forecasts continued strong sales.
Demand in the private service sector increased further in the fourth quarter and the confidence indicator rose 16 points on the previous quarter. The indicator is currently somewhat above the historic average for the first time since the first quarter of 2008. Service firms forecast a continued increase in demand in the first quarter of 2010. Travel agencies, computer consultancy, other business services and financial intermediation are the most optimistic sectors.
Extra question: Credit and financing terms in the business sector
| Max- value
|
Min- value
|
Situation
|
| Total Industry
|
4
|
27
|
-25
|
-14
|
0
|
15
|
+
|
| Manufacturing
|
-10
|
23
|
-44
|
-20
|
-12
|
-2
|
+
|
| Construction
|
-23
|
39
|
-82
|
-32
|
-27
|
-15
|
+
|
| Trade
|
11
|
33
|
-24
|
-11
|
8
|
30
|
++
|
| Private Service Sectors
|
21
|
46
|
-18
|
-5
|
11
|
27
|
+
|
Published: 28 January 2010
