Most northern European countries did not even have COVID-19 show up until the end of Q1. The first case in Sweden was detected on February 4th (incoming into the country). Sweden only broke 1000 cases on March 15th. This drove a situation where a number of EU countries enduring only a limited Q1 impact. Q2 figures will be more telling regarding the GDP and Employment impact in EU countries.
In the Coronavirus Fight in Scandinavia, Sweden Stands Apart
- Thread starter wildchild
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Most northern European countries did not even have COVID-19 show up until the end of Q1. The first case in Sweden was detected on February 4th (incoming into the country). Sweden only broke 1000 cases on March 15th. This drove a situation where a number of EU countries enduring only a limited Q1 impact. Q2 figures will be more telling regarding the GDP and Employment impact in EU countries.
Oh, I agree that Q2 will be a much clearer picture. But some countries put lockdowns in effect in March, so there was an impact in Q1. I don't expect it to get better for the countries that put lockdowns in effect.
I agree it will not get better in Q2. Most countries will have dismal employment and GDP figures for Q2. I don't expect to get better for countries with lockdowns or for Sweden either.
It isn't a question of whether it gets better. It won't get better. But the disparity between Sweden and other countries that chose the lock down will likely increase. I say likely because who knows what the hell can happen in reported numbers.
But the argument about how "it hasn't shown an economic benefit" is silly, because Q2 numbers aren't even released yet and - as you said - Q2 is where the majority of this occurred.
I expect that the Q2 figures for Sweden and the other EU nations will be similar. Sweden gained nothing economically by not locking down. They basically achieved the same economic results with more deaths. The bottom line is that the Q2 figures will confirm their national "no lockdown" policy had no benefit. In fact they probably performed worse than their direct neighbors. We will wait for the final figures to reveal the reality.
If the Sweden numbers show significantly less of a drop Q/Q, will you then revise some of your statements on Sweden's actions? Because if you're going to go quiet again when the results don't favor what you want, then there's no point to us having the conversation in the first place.
I will be happy to discuss Sweden's final Q2 numbers in context of other EU nations.
That isn't what I asked.