Get the latest insights on the economy, industries and emerging trends that can help your business tackle the challenges it faces in today’s market. We share the learnings and perspectives of leading experts and innovators in the Nordics, both from Nordea and beyond.
Global growth is weak at the moment. However, there are signs that 2023 could uncork positive surprises, as mild weather has eased the energy crisis in Europe and China is set to rebound after ending its zero-COVID policy. From the financial markets’ perspective, one of the key questions is how easily inflation will come down in 2023.
Lower prices and stagnating turnover are dominating the Danish housing market. The decline is especially caused by rapidly rising interest rates, and it is expected to continue until 2024. However, the starting point is strong, and that is why the situation after the financial crisis will not likely be repeated.
The outlook for the Swedish economy is worrying. After many years of debt build-up, the resultant vulnerability is now being tested and will contribute to a decline in the economy in 2023.
Swedish pay talks in the new inflation environment
Half of all wage earners will get new wage deals in early 2023. The unions’ wage claim is 4.4%, while employers’ bid is 2.0% and a one-off amount of SEK 3,000.
The Danish economy is clearly positioned for a period with lower activity. However, there is a risk that the slowdown will be self-reinforcing – not least in the housing market where a significant correction of market prices is taking place.
Public spending in Finland has increased so much that the government budget is in balance only when the economy is in an upswing and interest rates are at zero. Large-scale fiscal adjustments are needed to return public finances to a sustainable footing.
The Finnish economy is headed towards a mild recession this winter, but for the full year we forecast zero growth. Consumer purchasing power is constrained at the moment, but easing inflation and rising salaries will boost private consumption towards the end of the year.
Social impact is back in focus. Here’s how to translate it into financing
When it comes to financing structures focused on social impact, the vast majority currently incorporate gender diversity targets as the social KPI, in part due to the availability of established and comparable data. Looking ahead, we expect a wider range of social targets to be reported on and included in sustainable financing where material.
Ability or ambition: How to speed up progress on biodiversity
We must overcome commitment fatigue and resource constraints if we are to make meaningful progress in understanding and limiting biodiversity risks, argues Nordea Sustainable Finance Advisory’s David Ray.
Biodiversity: The next frontier in sustainable finance
The World Bank’s recent issuance of a sustainable development bond raising awareness for biodiversity highlights investors’ growing interest in the issue. Biodiversity loss is directly linked to climate change, both reinforcing each other, with their interaction amplifying the risk of reaching planetary tipping points.