STOCKHOLM (Standard&Poor's) Oct. 18, 2005--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it revised its outlook on Sweden-based FöreningsSparbanken AB (known internationally as Swedbank) to positive from stable. At the same time the 'A/A-1' counterparty credit ratings on Swedbank were affirmed. "The outlook revision reflects the successful reorientation of the bank's international strategy through the acquisition and increased integration of its Baltic operations at Hansabank and the disposal of non-core businesses, notably in Denmark," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Miguel Pintado. Moreover, the action reflects the better earnings quality and sustained profitability following a trend of successful performance for the past two years. In addition, the bank's asset quality remains good and provisioning policies adequate, as reflected by
