Swedish economy to post 3% growth rate in 2015

The Swedish economy has developed pretty much as expected since the Riksbank's monetary policy meeting in July. Growth seems to be set for close to 3 % this year, employment and labour supply continue to increase (making the fall in unemployment only marginal) and inflation should increase from low levels, especially in Q4, says Nordea Bank in a report on Thursday. The SEK trades close to the Riksbank's forecast. Also, the Riksbank's worries on the Greek situation should have eased somewhat since the previous meeting.

Nonetheless, the Riksbank is expected to provide further easing at its next monetary policy meeting on the 2nd of September, announcement the 3rd of September. A repo rate cut by another 10 bps, from -0.35% to -0.45% is expected, estimates Nordea Bank. The Riksbank expanded its government bond purchase programme by 45 bn SEK in July, thereby amounting to bn 135 SEK in total. The programme will be carried out throughout 2015. Nordea Bank states, neither an expanded programme or additional rate cuts below -0.45 % can be excluded.

Analysts still regard the Riksbank's inflation forecast being on the high side. Admittedly, the most recent inflation outcome surprised on the upside. Inflation (CPIF) stood at 0.9% y/y in July, 0.2% point higher than the Riksbank's projection. But overall cost pressures remain low and the inflation outlook is muted, adds Nordea Bank. Both electricity and fuel prices have declined over the summer, which has not yet fed through to the inflation readings to a full extent.