Sweden's central bank, Riksbanken, decided to leave its key policy rate unchanged at 1.75% after its March meeting, citing continued but weakening inflation and heightened global risks. The board said the economic outlook is clouded by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed up oil prices, and by uncertainty over global trade. In its monetary policy report, the Riksbank cut its growth forecast for 2026 to 2.5%, down from 2.9%, and warned that the forecast is "very uncertain." Governor Erik Thedéen noted that inflation has moved towards the 2% target but cautioned that geopolitical tensions could reverse the decline. The bank signalled it is ready to raise or cut rates if conditions change. Market participants widely expected the decision, and economists called it reasonable given the uncertain environment. The decision has broad implications for Swedish households. Mortgage lenders warned borrowers to prepare for potentially higher rates, citing rising funding costs and geopolitical risk. The OMXS30 index fell more than 1.8% as rising oil prices and the wait-and-see stance weighed on sentiment.
Sweden's Climate Policy Council (Klimatpolitiska rådet), an independent advisory body, published its annual assessment and warned that Sweden is on track to miss both national and EU climate targets for 2030 and 2045. The council criticised the government for lacking concrete policies to reduce emissions and for lowering environmental ambitions since taking office. The report points to the scrapping of petrol and diesel taxes, delayed investments in public transport, and a lack of incentives for fossil-free industry as reasons for the projected emissions gap. The council called on the government to present a clear action plan aligned with the EU's "Fit for 55" package. Government representatives acknowledged the findings but argued Sweden can still meet its goals by accelerating renewable energy and carbon capture. Environmental groups welcomed the report, while business groups warned that overly strict policies could harm competitiveness.
TV4 Nyheterna revealed that Centre Party leader Elisabeth Thand Ringqvist, who has publicly argued that private companies should be allowed to profit from welfare services, owns a stake in digital obesity-treatment company Eatit through her investment firm E14 Invest. Thand Ringqvist said the investment does not pose a conflict of interest because she invests in diverse businesses and has no operational role in Eatit. Critics argue that political leaders should avoid financial ties to sectors directly affected by their policy positions. The controversy may influence the ongoing debate over profits in Sweden's welfare sector — a politically charged issue ahead of the September 2026 election. Sweden allows private companies to run taxpayer-funded schools, healthcare clinics, and elderly care, but proposals to limit or ban such profits have divided the political landscape for years.
At the EU summit, Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán insisted Ukraine would receive EU loans only after Hungary secures oil supplies. Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson called the ultimatum "blackmail" and said linking humanitarian aid to unrelated demands undermines EU solidarity. The dispute has stalled discussions on new aid for Ukraine and exposed divisions within the EU.
The OMXS30 index dropped more than 1.8% as Brent crude climbed above $113 per barrel, reversing the market's recent rally. The energy sector was the only major sector rising, while industrial and raw-materials stocks slumped. Investors were cautious ahead of the Riksbank's rate decision. Analysts said the decline reflects growing concerns about global supply disruptions and geopolitical risk.
Live-casino developer Evolution, one of Sweden's largest listed tech companies, announced its board proposes no dividend for 2025, departing from its policy of distributing at least 50% of net profit. The company said retaining capital will create more long-term value. Evolution paid EUR 2.80 per share in dividends last year.
Alexander Ernstberger, former CEO of pension company Allra and convicted of financial crimes, attempted to transfer the rights to his book to a family-owned company. The bankruptcy trustee invalidated the transfer because Ernstberger is under a business prohibition and in personal bankruptcy. The unpaid royalties will go to the bankruptcy estate. Ernstberger and other executives were ordered to pay SEK 170 million to the Swedish Pensions Agency (Pensionsmyndigheten).
Tests by consumer magazine Råd & Rön found that 12 of 20 varieties of small tomatoes (småtomater) sold in Swedish grocery stores contain residues from pesticides classified as PFAS, sometimes called "forever chemicals." Most affected were tomatoes imported from Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. The levels detected were below EU limits. Experts recommend choosing organic or Swedish-grown tomatoes to reduce exposure.
An independent news digest for the English-speaking community in Sweden. We produce original summaries based on publicly available news. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any publication we reference.