”The third quarter was a good quarter for Swedish industry with index levels that we have not seen in three years. Particularly pleasing is the intake of orders, but continued slow development in euro countries, strong krona and uncertainty surrounding the global trade policy can put obstacles in the way”, says Jörgen Kennemar, responsible for the analysis of the purchasing managers' index at Swedbank, in a press release.
In figures, the purchasing managers' index for Swedish industry rose in September to 55.6, from 55.3 in August. An index figure above 50 indicates increased activity in the sector.
The index received the most traction from a positive development in terms of employment.
”There is a continued subdued price pressure in the industry driven by the krona strengthening and moderate raw material price increases, which should calm the Swedish Central Bank”, says Jörgen Kennemar.
The corresponding index for the euro area – Swedish industry's most important export market – fell to 49.8 in September, down from 50.7 in August. But in a preliminary calculation, the decline was even larger, to 49.5.
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