There are clear signs that the Riksbank will raise interest rates.
But that it is happening right now is not a given, according to Maria Landeborn, savings economist and strategist at Danske Bank.
They (the Riksbank) have come out and said that they may raise the interest rate significantly earlier and in the near future, which was not said at the beginning of the year.
Then they said 2024, she says and continues:
- It is more reasonable to leave the policy rate at zero, and then within a couple of months signal that the interest rate can be raised and start the cycle then.
It is about credibility in communication and an opportunity for households and companies to relate.
"A loan party"
Frida Bratt, savings economist at Nordnet, describes a possible interest rate increase as a shift.
- It will be a shift that means a lot, especially for households.
During these years of negative interest rates and zero interest rates, we have incurred large debts.
- It has been a bit like a loan party, a party on the stock exchange.
We've had a lot of money to move around with.
Can be negotiated
She points out that the interest rate has been historically low for a period.
But that there will be a higher cost together with rising prices for food and energy for those who are already highly leveraged or low-income earners.
- However, you must remember that you do this to counteract inflation.
Inflation is also a factor that digs out of the wallet for low-income earners.
Frida Bratt believes, however, that private individuals and actors still have power and room for negotiation when it comes to interest rates and loans.
It can be about comparing and negotiating, but above all being prepared to change banks if you are not satisfied with the terms.
"Still extremely low"
Américo Fernández, private economist at SEB, agrees that a higher policy rate is to be expected - whether it comes now on Thursday or a little later.
- You should not panic.
If we look historically, an increase from zero to 0.25 is still extremely low, he says.