Press release from Statistics Sweden

2009-12-04 9:30 AM Nr 2009:332

Direct investments 2008 - assets and income:

Weaker krona led to increased value of direct investments abroad

Swedish direct investments abroad amounted to SEK 2 414 billion at the end of 2008. This is an increase of SEK 355 billion compared to 2007. Foreign direct investments in Sweden amounted to SEK 2 122 billion in 2008, an increase of SEK 255 billion compared to the year before.

The increased value of Swedish direct investments abroad is partly due to the sharp depreciation of the Swedish krona, which occurred at the end of 2008. The value of foreign direct investment assets in Sweden also increased in 2008. This is partly explained by increased net lending to foreign-owned Swedish subsidiaries together with acquisitions and re-structuring.

The income on direct investment assets has been influenced by the economic downturn, and in 2008 the trend of increasing levels of income of recent years was broken. Swedish-owned direct investments abroad generated an income of SEK 252 billion in 2008, which was SEK 13 billion less than in 2007.

Income on foreign direct investments in Sweden amounted to 89 billion during 2008. This is a decrease of 48 billion compared to the year before. Income on direct investments thus generated a positive contribution of SEK 163 billion to the current account in 2008.

Definitions and explanations

A direct investment arises when someone, usually a company, directly or indirectly owns 10 percent or more in a company or commercial property located in another country. The direct investment assets measured in the survey consist of total equity and financial claims and liabilities within a direct investment situation and also directly-owned commercial properties. It does not include real investment in plants or machinery. The results of this survey are also included in Sweden's International Investment Position. The presentation of direct investments Sweden's International Investment Position also includes information on holiday homes and trade credits. These items are not included in this survey.

The income is calculated as the income after financial income and expenditure, adjusted for write-downs, capital gains/losses and taxes. Income on direct investment is booked on the current account.

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Responsible authority and producer

Statistics Sweden, Balance of Payment and Financial Market Statistics
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Georg Andersson
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Fredrik Öhrström
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