Category: sweden

In a recent release from Statistics Sweden (SCB), data reveals a significant surge in Sweden’s merchandise exports during October, showcasing positive trends in both value and volume. Here are the key highlights: https://www.scb.se/hitta-statistik/statistik-efter-amne/handel-med-varor-och-tjanster/utrikeshandel/utrikeshandel-med-varor/pong/statistiknyhet/export-och-import-av-varor-oktober-2023-i-lopande-och-fasta-priser/

Recent data from Statistics Sweden (SCB) reveals that the average interest rate on new mortgage agreements for Swedish households hit 4.80% in November 2023. This marks a continued upward trend, with the annual growth rate for household mortgages from monetary financial institutions (MFI) decreasing each month since May 2022, reaching 0.5% in October. In contrast,…

As of 2022, Swedish households’ actual individual consumption per capita exceeded the average of the 27 EU countries by 10%, according to data from Eurostat and SCB. The spread in 2022 across the EU, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland ranged from 38% above to 31% below the average for the 27 EU countries. Luxembourg led the…

In 2020, Sweden boasted 585 distinct retail areas, providing employment to over 168,000 individuals in the retail sector. Simultaneously, the country hosted more than 3,700 business areas, collectively housing over 82,000 establishments and engaging almost 2 million workers. Key Highlights: https://www.scb.se/hitta-statistik/statistik-efter-amne/miljo/markanvandning/verksamhetsomraden-och-handelsomraden/pong/statistiknyhet/verksamhetsomraden-2020/

Sweden’s Statistical Central Bureau (SCB) has released insights into foreign direct investments for 2022, focusing on assets and returns. Key highlights include: Returns on Direct Investments: Increase in Direct Investment Assets: Sectoral Contributions: Country and Sector-specific Assets: Currency Impact: https://www.scb.se/hitta-statistik/statistik-efter-amne/betalningsbalans-och-utlandsstallning/betalningsbalans-och-utlandsstallning/betalningsbalansen-bop/pong/statistiknyhet/direktinvesteringar-2022–tillgangar-och-avkastning/

In a new agreement between Sweden and the United States, American military forces will gain access to Swedish military bases across 17 locations. This facilitates the storage of military equipment and allows for operations on Swedish territory. The agreement, known as the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), enhances the conditions for further development of defense collaboration…

Sweden experienced substantial growth in service trade during the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, with a particularly strong performance in service exports across various sectors, leading to an improvement in the service trade balance. In Q3 2023, service exports saw a remarkable 19% increase, outpacing the 5% growth in…

During the third quarter of 2023, the market value of assets invested by insurance and pension companies decreased to 6,794 billion SEK, down from the previous quarter’s 6,951 billion SEK. However, compared to the third quarter of 2022, the market value has increased from 6,355 billion SEK. Key Highlights for the Quarter: Life Insurance and…

In mid-November, Swedish marine forces, alongside U.S. and Polish units, participated in NATO’s Neptune Strike 23 exercise in Poland. The primary focus was on leading ground-targeting combat aircraft, showcasing NATO-Sweden collaboration in the Baltic Sea area. Key Points: https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2023/11/neptune-strike-23-med-sikte-pa-mal/

Statistics Sweden’s Investment Survey reveals a 6% surge in the investment pace among businesses during the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Key highlights from the survey indicate a total increase of 6%, equivalent to SEK 5.0 billion, in business investments during Q3 2023 compared to Q3 2022. Despite this…

In the past three months, 60% of Swedes (5 million individuals) aged 16–85 have encountered misleading internet content, according to a recent survey by Statistics Sweden. Notably, 58% of women and 62% of men reported exposure to false or questionable information. The study highlights a growing need for digital literacy, with 35% of those encountering…

Swedish labor market exhibited a subdued state, as reported by Statistics Sweden (SCB). With 5,237,000 non-seasonally adjusted employed individuals, the average weekly working hours totaled 177.9 million. The number of unemployed individuals stood at 416,000, equating to an unemployment rate of 7.4%. When seasonally adjusted, both the percentage and quantity of employed individuals declined, while…

Inflation has moderated but remains high, and several central banks have indicated that it may be a while before policy interest rates are lowered. Geopolitical uncertainties could further impact inflation and economic outlooks, leading to turbulence in financial markets. The higher interest rates also exert pressure on Swedish property companies, to which banks have significant…

Between October 30 and November 10, NATO conducted Exercise Neptune Strike 23-3 at various locations in Europe, with the participation of 20 allied countries, including Sweden. The exercise involved ground, naval, and air forces. Key Highlights: The exercise not only tested the technical interoperability of systems but also showcased NATO’s ability to coordinate and execute…

The annual CBRNE days conference, organized by the Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut (FOI), Totalförsvarets skyddscentrum, and Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap (MSB), took place recently with a focus on total defense and Sweden’s ability to handle CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) events. The conference, held every year, serves as a platform for national stakeholders in…

The forthcoming NATO membership, the crisis in Ukraine, and the indispensable role of the Home Guard (Hemvärnet) in Sweden’s defense took center stage at the 2023 National Home Guard Assembly held in Gävle from November 10 to 12. Hundreds of elected Home Guard soldiers from across the country convened to discuss the trajectory of Sweden’s…

Fifteen 15-year-olds recently concluded a week-long internship at the Fourth Naval Warfare Flotilla in Sweden. Engaging in various activities such as setting up tents, water exercises, driving combat boats, signaling, fire building, visiting corvettes, mine-clearance, and support vessels, the students gained insights into naval life. The mornings began with physical training and activities like water…

In a landmark development, the Swedish Justice Department received a partial report on October 30, 2023, from the Anonymous Witnesses Investigation. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer was handed the report, outlining compelling suggestions for the implementation of a system incorporating anonymous witnesses in criminal cases. Key Points of the Proposal: Potential Impact on Legal Landscape: If…

Conclusion: The agreement between Sweden and France signifies a commitment to advancing sustainable forestry practices, recognizing the strategic importance of the forest sector in transitioning to a green economy. The collaboration aims to create a favorable environment for a competitive forest industry and influence EU policies that respect the unique conditions of each country. https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2023/10/sverige-fordjupar-skogssamarbetet-med-frankrike/

The latest economic update from Statistics Sweden (SCB) reveals a persistently sluggish Swedish economy, with most indicators showing a sideways trend. This implies minimal or weak growth, with the GDP indicator remaining largely unchanged since the end of 2021. Despite a slight upturn in August, both industrial production and household consumption have exhibited a weak…