Rising interest rates and high inflation weigh on households’ purchasing power

  • Swedish economy expected to shrink in 2023 and 2024
  • Recovery not expected until 2025 with 2% growth
  • Households holding back on spending, impacting GDP
  • Housing construction at a standstill, investments to fall further
  • Weakening labor market and high inflation expected to persist
  • Riksbank to tighten monetary policy with rate increase in November
  • Policy rate cuts expected to begin in June 2023

Sweden’s economy is facing a challenging period as it is expected to shrink in both 2023 and 2024, according to Swedbank’s latest economic outlook report. The bank forecasts a 0.5% GDP contraction in 2023 and a 0.4% contraction in 2024, with a recovery not expected until 2025 when growth of 2% is projected. The slowdown is attributed to households holding back on spending, which is impacting GDP, as well as a standstill in housing construction and further decline in housing investments. Additionally, the labor market is weakening and high inflation is expected to persist. In response, the Riksbank plans to tighten its monetary policy by raising the policy rate by 25 points in November, reaching 4.25%. However, a series of policy rate cuts is anticipated to begin in June 2023, with the policy rate eventually falling to 2.5% by the end of 2025.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides information from Swedbank’s economic outlook report, including forecasts for GDP contraction, household spending, housing construction, inflation, and the Riksbank’s monetary policy. The information is attributed to Swedbank’s Chief Economist, Mattias Persson. However, it is important to note that this is a single source and may not represent a consensus among economists or other financial institutions.
Noise Level: 7
Noise Justification: The article provides information on the current state of Sweden’s economy and the predictions for its future. It mentions the factors that are expected to impact the economy, such as rising interest rates, high inflation, and weak purchasing power. The article also includes quotes from Swedbank’s Chief Economist, providing some insights into the bank’s analysis. However, the article lacks in-depth analysis, data, or evidence to support the predictions and claims made. It would benefit from more context and a broader perspective on the factors influencing Sweden’s economy.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Swedish economy, households’ purchasing power, housing construction and investments
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article discusses the current state and future outlook of Sweden’s economy, highlighting the impact of rising interest rates and high inflation on households’ purchasing power. It mentions a contraction in GDP and a slowdown in housing construction and investments. While the economic situation is challenging, there is no mention of an extreme event or its impact.
Public Companies: Swedbank (N/A)
Key People: Mattias Persson (Swedbank Chief Economist)

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com