FX.co ★ Swedish Household Spending Falls Most Since 2022

In May 2025, household spending in Sweden declined by 1.2% compared to the previous month, overturning a downwardly revised 0.4% increase in April. This represents the most significant contraction since July 2022, with decreases observed across several crucial sectors. Notably, expenditures on food and beverages dropped by 3.1% compared to a 1.4% increase in April. Similar downward trends were evident in transport, retail sales and motor vehicle services, which fell by 2% from a previous rise of 2%; furniture, furnishings, household equipment, and consumables declined by 2.4% compared to an earlier increase of 2.4%; and recreation and cultural goods and services dropped by 3.9% following a minor 0.1% uptick. Additionally, spending on clothing and footwear continued its steep decline, plummeting 10.2% compared to a previous 3.1% decrease. On the other hand, consumption saw a rebound in areas such as housing, electricity, gas, and heating, which increased by 0.9% after a 0.8% drop previously. Similarly, expenditure on post and communications rose by 3% following a 3.1% decline, and other goods and services increased by 1.9% following a 3% decrease. Spending in the restaurant, cafe, hotel, and accommodation services sector accelerated, climbing 3.3% from a 0.3% rise previously. Annually, household consumption saw a notable reduction, decreasing to 0.6% from a revised 2.7% increase in April 2025.