The Economic Tendency Survey

The Economic Tendency Survey is a report that summarises how firms and consumers view the economy. The report is published monthly and consists of three parts. Similar surveys are conducted in other EU countries.

The Economic Tendency Indicator is based on monthly surveys of households and firms and consequently captures the sentiment among these players in the Swedish economy. The indicator is based on the information contained in the confidence indicators for manufacturing, services, construction, retail and consumers.

The Business Tendency Survey

Each month we ask 5,800 firms questions about the recent past, the present and the near future. This survey is intended to provide a quick qualitative indication of outcomes and expectations for key economic variables for which no quantitative data are yet available. The variables in the survey include new orders, output, and employment.

The Consumer Tendency Survey

The purpose of this survey is to provide quick qualitative indications of households' plans to purchase consumer durables and attitudes to the economic situation in Sweden, personal finances, inflation and saving.

The interviews are normally done between the 1st and the 15th of each month, but in some months this may deviate due to holidays. All EU countries conduct similar monthly surveys and the questions in the NIER's surveys are harmonized with EU guidelines.

Official Statistics of Sweden

Sweden’s Official Statistics (SOS) are statistics that are particularly important for describing Sweden. Official statistics contribute to the development of our society by being objective and relevant, which benefits citizens.

The National Institute of Economic Research has been tasked by the Government to be responsible for the official statistics within household purchasing plans. As a government agency responsible for statistics, we are responsible for ensuring that

  • the statistics are objective;
  • the statistics are documented; and
  • the statistics are accompanied by a quality declaration.

Official statistics must be kept publicly available free of charge on the internet. All official statistics must bear the text Sweden’s official statistics and/or carry the logo.

SOS_svart_Sv_3liten

The logo and the text Sweden’s official statistics may not be used in further processing of the official statistics.

Government agency network

There are about thirty government agencies in Sweden who are responsible for the official statistics. Statistics Sweden is responsible for coordinating and supporting the system for official statistics.

To read more about what constitutes official statistics and which government agencies form part of the network, visit Statistics Sweden’s website: www.scb.se/sos