Follow the economy across the Nordic countries and economic changes worldwide.
Economic Outlook
Danish economy slows down
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nordea Economic Outlook: Another volatile year ahead?
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Nordea complies with applicable EU, US and UK sanctions. They currently include freezing of assets, restrictions on economic relations with certain regions in Ukraine, restrictions focusing on energy and finance sector, import and export restrictions and overflight bans.
Although industrial production has been running at full capacity this year, manufacturing output and goods exports volumes are still below the levels seen in 2008. This is due to the fact that production capacity has fallen and the share of value added to the economy by manufacturing has decreased permanently.
Economic growth was strong in the first half of the year but is showing signs of weakness towards the end of the year. High energy prices are sapping consumers’ purchasing power at the same time as the slowdown in global economic growth is hampering exports. Meanwhile, falling housing sales will slow down construction.
Sweden's economy is weakening from a strong position
Rate hikes and high inflation are putting a damper on the Swedish economy, and unemployment will rise. A stabilisation is expected during 2024, but the recovery will be slow as the economy gradually adjusts to higher interest rates.
Swedish home prices are falling rapidly as households adjust to surging mortgage rates. The situation is not as serious as in the 1990s, but there is risk of a sharp price correction.
Overheating in the US, the tight COVID stance and real estate sector slowdown in China, the energy market crisis in Europe and geopolitical risks are all denting growth prospects. At the same time, inflationary pressures are strong and will continue to be central banks’ main headache in the coming months.
How are Norwegian households affected by rising interest rates?
Strong price growth and higher interest rates will mean tighter finances for many Norwegian households. Below, we illustrate the consequences this will have on three families with the same income but different debt-to-income ratios. Lower savings, use of accumulated assets and more people in work will mitigate the impact on overall consumer spending.