Sweden’s Economic Tendency Indicator fell to 100.1 in February 2026, its lowest reading since late October, down from 102.9 in January. The manufacturing sector softened, primarily due to production plans that dropped below their historical average, though relatively low finished-goods inventories offered some support.
Confidence weakened in both the trade and service sectors. In trade, sentiment was dampened by lower sales volumes over the past three months, partly offset by brighter expectations for future sales. In the service sector, a slowdown in recent activity and demand was the main driver of the decline.
By contrast, confidence in construction improved, underpinned by more optimistic hiring plans and a less negative assessment of order books. Consumer confidence also strengthened, with households taking a more positive view of their own finances and the broader Swedish economy compared with a year earlier, although overall sentiment remained below normal levels.
