Swedish economy starts 2023 stronger than forecast

Sweden's economic performance significantly surpassed expectations in the first quarter of the year, bolstered by robust exports, according to the final GDP data released by the Statistics Office on Tuesday.

Sweden's economy proving robust.

Sweden's economy proving robust.

Foto: Janerik Henriksson/TT

Ekonomi2023-05-30 09:34

GDP grew by 0.6% compared to the preceding quarter and saw an annual growth of 0.8% relative to the same quarter last year.

Preliminary data released in April had estimated a growth of 0.2% quarter-over-quarter and 0.3% year-over-year.

Prior to the release of these figures, the consensus among analysts and the central bank was an overall contraction of the economy this year, amidst rising living costs, higher interest rates affecting consumers and businesses, and prevailing uncertainties.

Recent data, however, has painted a more resilient picture with steady employment rates and a surge in retail sales.

The central bank has increased rates over the last year. However, it now plans to slow down these increases as inflation drops and households struggle with higher interest rates.

In April, it raised the key interest rate to 3.5%. It plans one more small increase in either June or September before pausing any more increases.