The volume of retail trade sales decreased by 1.3 percent in April 2020 compared with the same month a year ago. Retail sales in consumables (excluding Systembolaget, the state-owned chain of liquor stores) decreased by 2.6 percent, while retail sales in durables decreased by 1.8 percent. These figures are working-day adjusted and in fixed prices.
Average life expectancy has increased in all population groups since 2012. The smallest increase was among single women with the lowest education level, while the largest increase was among co-habiting men with the lowest education level.
The investment rate among enterprises slowed significantly in the first quarter of 2020. Variation between different industries was significant. Investments by real estate enterprises decreased by 11 percent, and amounted to SEK 32.9 billion. Investments by enterprises in business services increased by 16 percent and amounted to SEK 4.3 billion.
Formally protected areas account for 14.9 percent of Sweden’s total land area and inland waters. Almost all of the protected areas, 97 percent, are permanently protected under the Environmental Code. Permanent protection covers national parks, nature reserves, nature conservation areas, habitat protection areas, the National City Park, and Natura 2000. Formal protection applies to 12 percent of Sweden’s marine areas, virtually all with permanent protection under the Environmental Code.
The Producer Price Index was unchanged between March and April 2020. Lower prices on energy-related products were offset by higher export prices on several product groups due to a weakened Swedish currency. The annual rate for the Producer Price Index was -3.0 percent in April 2020 (-3.6 percent in March).