Sweden: Economic growth slows according to advanced Q4 data
The economy expanded 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2021 in seasonally-adjusted quarter-on-quarter terms, according to preliminary figures released by Statistics Sweden. While the result was below the 2.0% rise clocked in Q3, it came in above market expectations and marked the sixth consecutive quarter of GDP growth. In calendar-adjusted annual terms, GDP rose 6.2% in the fourth quarter, rising from the 4.5% year-on-year increase recorded in Q3.
Although details of the release are still pending, the quarterly slowdown likely came on the back of more moderate household spending growth amid easing consumer sentiment and rising inflationary pressures. Nevertheless, Q4’s estimate puts the overall growth for 2021 at 5.1%, which would be the strongest annual outturn in over a decade.
A more comprehensive breakdown of Q4 GDP will be released on 28 February.