29.04.202607:14:11UTC+00Sweden Business Mood Improves in April

Sweden’s business confidence barometer rose to 103.3 in April 2026 from a downwardly revised 102.2 in March, remaining above the 100 threshold and indicating sentiment stronger than the historical norm. Firms’ assessment of demand was unchanged from the previous month but still weaker than normal (-23 vs -24 in March). Labor market conditions were mixed: companies reported a modest decline in staffing over the past three months (-2 vs -6), with trade remaining a notable exception where employment continued to grow. Hiring plans (3 vs 4) pointed to broadly normal recruitment levels. Labor shortages (20) persisted, particularly in manufacturing.

Companies reported that sales prices (16 vs 14) continued to rise at a normal pace, while price plans (2.6 vs 1.7) suggested stronger price increases ahead, especially in manufacturing and trade. Despite firmer confidence and resilient pricing power, profitability (-10 vs -12) was still perceived as weaker than normal, indicating that businesses remained cautious even as overall sentiment stayed in expansionary territory.