Swedish investors cool to risks of stock ownership - The Local

Small-time investors in Sweden transacted 36,300 stock trades a day in August, an increase of 1 percent from July, but a 16 percent drop compared to August of last year.

Normally private stock trading increases by about 10 percent after the summer months.

"Savers didn't return to the stock exchange in August like they used to, but instead stayed away...

The number of Swedes who own stocks has steadily decreased in recent years and is at its lowest level in eight years, according to Avanza.

"We're getting close to having two million savers who own stocks. That can sound like a lot but there are many who only own a share in Ericsson or TeliaSonera. It's an altogether older group who sell to use the money for their retirement," said Hemberg.

"It's probably the case that most Swedes aren't made to own stocks. When there is this much uncertainty, people discover how hard it actually is. Mutual funds are simpler and not as sensitive. Bank accounts have also been winners in the last year."

(Though two million, that would still be c. 30% of all adults.)

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}