Confidence in the future is diverging within Swedish trade, according to this month's trade barometer. Retail and wholesale trade are declining, while e-retailers are looking more positively towards the future despite challenges and threats from third countries, writes Svensk Handel in a press release.
Overall, trade is viewing the next three months negatively in terms of profitability, employees, and sales.
"We note a slightly more cautious view of the next three months among our members. Despite somewhat more positive tones, thanks to falling inflation and hopes for lower interest rates, out in the country, the retailers' confidence in the future is not lifted. This indicates that monetary policy is too restrictive and here the Swedish Central Bank must act," says Sofia Larsen, CEO of Svensk Handel, in the press release.
