Balance of payments, 1st quarter 2010:

Somewhat stronger current account

The surplus of the current account amounted to SEK 63.6 billion, an improvement of SEK 2.2 billion compared to the first quarter of 2009. This reinforcement is above all due to incomes and reduced transfers.

Foreign trade in goods and services amounted to SEK 46.0 billion, which is SEK 7.3 billion lower compared to the first quarter of 2009. Above all, the sharp recovery of imports of goods contributed to the lower net trade. Exports of goods also made a recovery, but not to the same extent as imports. The increase in exports and imports of goods was strongest in trade with EU countries.

Income resulted in a net inflow of SEK 24.1 billion, of which income on direct investments accounted for a net inflow of SEK 22.8 billion. Income on portfolio investments resulted in a weak net inflow of SEK 0.3 billion, and income on other investments in a net inflow of SEK 1.6 billion.

The financial account resulted in a net outflow of SEK 140.3 billion during the quarter. Other investments and portfolio investments showed large net flows where other investments accounted for a net outflow of SEK 261.3 billion and portfolio investments in a net inflow of SEK 166.0 billion. A continued foreign demand for Swedish debt securities during the quarter caused the large net inflow in portfolio investments. Foreign investors made net purchases of Swedish bonds and certificates at a value of SEK 209.4 billion.