logo
Inflation data supports view of easing pressure this year, Riksbank chief says

Inflation data supports view of easing pressure this year, Riksbank chief says

Reuters22-05-2025

STOCKHOLM, May 22 (Reuters) - Information since the latest monetary policy decision does not deviate substantially from the view the Riksbank had earlier this month, Swedish Central Bank Governor Erik Thedeen said on Thursday.
"We have somewhat elevated inflation but we expect it to come down during the course of the year," Thedeen told Reuters on the sideline of a conference.
"The April inflation figures confirmed that view," he said.
Consumer prices in Sweden, measured with a fixed interest rate, were up 2.3 percent in April from the same month last year, data showed last week. The Riksbank targets 2% inflation.
The Riksbank held its policy rate at 2.25% this month but said a combination of lower growth and easing inflationary pressure might lead them to cut rates later this year.
Thedeen also said that the financial systems have handled turbulence related to trade tariffs well.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Russia's Nabiullina on central bank rate cut, inflation and rouble
Russia's Nabiullina on central bank rate cut, inflation and rouble

Reuters

time2 hours ago

  • Reuters

Russia's Nabiullina on central bank rate cut, inflation and rouble

MOSCOW, June 6 (Reuters) - Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina and her deputy Alexei Zabotkin addressed a news conference on Friday after the central bank cut its key rate to 20% from 21%. They spoke in Russian and the quotes below were translated into English by Reuters. "Today, we considered two options. There were arguments in favour of leaving the rate unchanged, and arguments for lowering the rate. It's worth noting here that many of those who proposed to leave the rate unchanged for now allowed for its possible reduction at the next meeting in July." "There was a discussion about whether to reduce the rate by half a percentage point, or one percentage point ... a more substantial step was not considered." "Inflation is around the lower end of our expectations. We will speak more specifically when our prognosis is re-evaluated in June. But taking into account the facts of the first four months of the year and the operational picture we see regarding this month, any update will likely be towards a reduction." "As for future steps on the rate, (the decision) is not predetermined. Our decision will depend on how the situation develops, on the data that we receive by the time of the next meeting on the rate." "We certainly take into account the opinions of experts ... we listen to the expert opinions of government members, but the decision, as required by law, we make independently." NABIULLINA ON THE ROUBLE: "We are now more confident in the stability of the exchange rate dynamics than in April. We explain most of the rouble strengthening by the consequences of a tight monetary policy. There may be short-term factors, like the dividend season. This, of course, can influence the rouble exchange rate, but does not determine the trend." "The tight monetary policy that we are pursuing to slow inflation also affects the rouble exchange rate. And we will pursue a policy that is needed precisely to return inflation to the target of 4%. And accordingly, the trajectory of the exchange rate will be one that meets this forecast." "If trade wars intensify and hit our exports, then we will make decisions on the rate so that there is no new round of inflation." *NABIULLINA ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: "We are close to a scenario of balanced rates of economic growth ... there is no overcooling, because our inflation is still higher than the target, unemployment is below the average for (the last) several years. Our task is to make sure that the trajectory of the slowdown in growth rates is smooth, so that we move to a situation where we have both stable low inflation and stable rates of economic growth." "We do not see any risks to financial stability, risks of serious deterioration or reduction in the systemic stability of enterprises ... This was not a separate factor for our decision, because in general the situation with companies' financial condition remains stable." "Overall, despite the more moderate growth in profits, despite the fact that some individual companies are having problems, either facing external restrictions or a large debt burden, overall, the situation is stable, and large companies are mostly stable. There may be slightly more problems in the small and micro business sector." *NABIULLINA ON STATE OF BANKING SECTOR: "We assess the state of the banking sector as stable... In my opinion, the rehabilitative mechanism that we proposed instead of the credit one, when the bank is immediately capitalized, has proven itself, it is much more effective than the previous instrument." "And we are, according to plan, exiting the regulatory relaxations that we provided. The banks have already exited most of them. They are coping well and increasing lending, there is enough capital reserve. There are no special concerns here." *ZABOTKIN ON INFLATIONARY IMPACT OF HARVEST: "This year the picture (of the harvest) is noticeably better. And here it is important to understand that it is not necessary for the harvest to be a record, it is enough that it is not worse than last year, and that will ensure a more restrained food prices dynamic, because they have already risen significantly."

ECB policymakers debate risk of inflation going too low
ECB policymakers debate risk of inflation going too low

Reuters

time4 hours ago

  • Reuters

ECB policymakers debate risk of inflation going too low

FRANKFURT, June 6 (Reuters) - European Central Bank policymakers hailed victory over runaway inflation on Friday even as some warned that it was now at risk of going too low, rekindling memories of anaemic price growth in the pre-pandemic decade. The ECB cut interest rates on Thursday for the eighth time in the past year and signalled at least a pause in policy easing next month since inflation was now safely back at its 2% target after three years of overshooting. Part of the argument for the pause is that economic growth is better than feared, a premise underpinned by fresh data showing the euro zone economy grew by 0.6% in the first quarter, above the 0.3% estimated earlier, and retail sales were also robust. However, the strong growth figure is an anomaly, many economists say. It was driven by frontloaded exports to the United States before tariffs kicked in and data was especially distorted by Ireland, where growth is fuelled largely by activity among big foreign companies based there for tax reasons. Portuguese policymaker Mario Centeno, who has long warned about the risk of price growth going too low, said his colleagues should be alert inflation dipping too far below 2%. "The inflation rate (in the euro zone) is currently below 2% and this downward trend will worsen until the beginning of next year, when it will approach the dangerous level of 1%, or slightly above that," he said in Lisbon. "This is a scenario that should alert us," he said. Finland's Olli Rehn said there was a particular risk from the escalation of the trade war with the U.S. and the outlook was so complex, the ECB's adverse scenario could not take into account all outcomes. "For example, serious disruptions to supply chains and disruptions in financial markets have been excluded from the analysis," Rehn said in a blog post. Part of the reason inflation could go lower is that Germany, the bloc's biggest economy, will stagnate this year, marking the third year of zero or negative growth as its long-predicted recovery keeps getting pushed further and further out. While Germany's new government plans to sharply increase fiscal spending on defence and infrastructure, this will not significantly boost growth until the end of 2027, the Bundesbank said as it cut growth projections for this year and next. "Concerns about a persistent undershoot may soon resurface, especially if trade tensions escalate, weighing on demand," Oxford Economics said in a note. Others took a more benign view that was more in line with the ECB's view that inflation will rebound and hit the bank's 2% target. "The ECB's 2% inflation target has essentially been achieved," Estonian policymaker Madis Müller said. "The expected economic growth in the next couple of years is also likely to be quite moderate, which means that there is no reason to worry too much about price pressure related to the heating up of the economic environment." Latvia's Martins Kazaks said he was also comfortable with the outlook and made the case for the ECB to take a break in cutting rates, partly to preserve policy space and to await fresh data. "I don't think the market should expect the trajectory of cutting rates at every meeting to continue," he told Reuters. "There is no need and there is value in maintaining policy space."

EU country loved by British travellers introduces tourist tax
EU country loved by British travellers introduces tourist tax

The Independent

time6 hours ago

  • The Independent

EU country loved by British travellers introduces tourist tax

Norway is set to introduce a tourist tax, joining other destinations adapting to increased visitor numbers. The tax is set at 3 per cent of overnight stay costs, with local authorities having the discretion to implement it and use the funds for infrastructure improvements. Trade and Industry Minister Cecilie Myrseth highlighted the importance of the tax for managing tourism 's impact and ensuring local support, especially in areas with high seasonal demand. In 2024, Norway – which has a population of just 5.6 million – recorded 38 million visitors, leading to strains on public facilities. The tax may also apply to cruise passengers, though the specifics are unclear, and it is expected to be implemented as early as summer 2026.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store