Go to search feature Go to content

You need to use a different browser. To be able to use our internet services, you can instead use one of these browsers: Apple Safari, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox.

Read more about recommended browsers

Nordic Outlook August 2024

What are the findings in the latest issue of Nordic Outlook? Here you find our economists' in-depth theme articles and analysis of trends. After a late-summer bout of stock market turbulence, falling interest rates and a weaker dollar, markets have calmed down and adapted to US economic deceleration and expected Fed rate cuts. The fight against inflation has been successful, and central banks are on the way to taking clearer steps towards interest rate normalisation. The Fed will start its rate cutting cycle in September with at least a 25-basis point reduction. Growth gaps are narrowing as the United States and China slow down and the euro area accelerates at a moderate pace. Continued resilient labour markets, rising real wages and lower interest rates will drive growth. 

A race between interest rate cuts and recession risks

After a late-summer bout of stock market turbulence, falling interest rates and a weaker dollar, markets have calmed down, and looking ahead today we can be somewhat optimistic. The interest rate cuts delivered by Sweden’s Riksbank and the European Central Bank, among others, will continue this autumn. Importantly, the US Federal Reserve will soon follow their example. Because of rate cuts, lower inflation, rising real wages and the absence of major imbalances, a US recession can be avoided after all. This will benefit the entire world economy. But this will be an uncertain and intense autumn, with several key issues to keep an eye on.

Theme: The US elections

The change of Democratic candidate has redrawn the map ahead of the November 5 US presidential election. This article examines how the Democratic agenda will change under Harris, the differences between her policies and Trump’s and how these policies can be expected to impact the economy and financial markets.

Theme: The US elections (pdf)
Whitehouse

Theme: Swedish fiscal policy

Sweden has a strong fiscal starting point – but also faces challenges. Fiscal policy will now become more expansionary and will stimulate growth, when many other countries are cutting back. But policymakers remain cautious. 

Theme: Swedish fiscal policy (pdf)

United States

The labour market is slowing down. Inflation is approaching target and the Fed will cut its key interest rate in rapid steps this autumn and next year. The absence of imbalances in the private sector strengthens our belief in a soft landing.

United States (pdf)

Euro area

Economic growth is returning, albeit at a moderate pace and still pulled down by Germany. Due to lower inflation and continued interest rate cuts by the European Central Bank, domestic demand will accelerate in the second half of this year. 

Euro area (pdf)

China

Chinese policymakers have struggled to lift growth and push through reforms. Trade relations with the US remain front and centre. We expect GDP growth of 5 per cent in 2024 and even lower rates in the following years. 

China (pdf)

Sweden

GDP will grow faster in 2025-2026 than the long-term trend. Household consumption will be the main driver, underpinned by better real wages, expansionary fiscal policy and lower interest rates. The Riksbank will lower its policy rate to 2 per cent in 2025, and the government will spend SEK 75-80 billion on unfunded reforms in 2025.

Sweden (pdf)

Download Nordic Outlook reports

Our macroeconomic flagship report Nordic Outlook contains our economists' views on economic developments in the world. You will find key forecasts as well as an analysis of trends and political decisions that affect the world economy.