MNI BRIEF: Riksbank Survey Finds Business More Upbeat

Swedish businesses see activity increasing six months down the line, on balance, and they are investing in technology and research in anticipation of a 'new normal', the Riksbank's latest business survey found, as they are perhaps more upbeat than senior officials at the central bank

After the initial Covid shock, firms were markedly more upbeat in the survey, conducted in September. Among the findings were that investment was going ahead again, with prioritisation of new technology, and that some firms are shortening their supply chains to protect against disruptions abroad. Business stated that their funding situation had improved, with the Riksbank having supplied extensive cheap funding to banks.