Sweden’s Riksbank is expected to keep its policy rate unchanged at 1.75% and restate that it may raise rates if needed. This comes as Sweden’s growth outlook is under pressure from the Iran conflict and an energy price shock.
Consumer and business confidence have fallen in recent weeks, while the economy has so far remained resilient. Weaker growth in Germany and wider geopolitical uncertainty are also affecting the outlook.
Riksbank Policy Outlook
In March, the Riksbank indicated that interest rates would stay unchanged until the end of the year. It also increased its inflation forecasts for 2026 after the energy price shock, but these remained below the 2% inflation target.
The bank is expected to keep this stance and lay out different outcomes linked to the war in Iran. It is likely to maintain flexibility to adjust the policy rate, without offering a firmer commitment.
Markets are pricing in a possible rate rise in the second half of 2026. That expectation is presented as too ambitious for the Swedish krona (SEK).
We see the Riksbank holding its policy rate at 1.75% this week, even as it signals a readiness to hike later. Markets are pricing in a rate increase for the second half of 2026, which seems overly optimistic. This creates a clear opportunity for traders positioned for rates to stay lower for longer than expected.
Trading Implications For The Krona
The central bank has room to wait, especially with April’s CPIF inflation data coming in at just 1.4%, far from the 2% target. The latest Economic Tendency Indicator fell to 92.5, confirming that business and consumer confidence is suffering. These figures reflect the ongoing energy shock from the Iran conflict and the economic slowdown in Germany, which saw its Q1 2026 GDP revised down to 0.1%.
This suggests the Swedish Krona may be vulnerable, as its current strength partly relies on these rate hike expectations. In the coming weeks, we see value in using options to position for potential SEK weakness against the Euro or Dollar. This approach allows us to manage risk while capitalizing if the market reprices its rate path expectations downward.
Looking back at the central bank pivots we saw in late 2025, the Riksbank’s current cautious stance is understandable. While an unchanged rate tomorrow might dampen immediate currency volatility, the bank’s commitment to act if needed keeps longer-term uncertainty elevated. This suggests that selling short-dated SEK volatility while considering positions in longer-dated options could be a prudent strategy.
