Swedish Inflation Steady at 0.5% in February

The annual inflation rate in Sweden was unchanged at 0.5% in February 2026, slightly less than market expectations of 0.6%, according to preliminary estimates. Still, this remains the highest reading since October 2025. “The inflation rate according to the flash CPI was unchanged in February, which was mainly affected by a lower price increase on food and by higher housing costs,” said Mikael Nordin, statistician at Statistics Sweden. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 0.6% in February, below forecasts of a 0.8% growth and following a 0.1% rise in January. Meanwhile, the CPI with a fixed interest rate (CPIF), the Riskbank’s target measure, rose by 1.7% year-on-year in February, easing from a 2.0% increase in the previous month and coming in slightly below expectations of a 1.8% advance.

Sweden’s annual inflation rate rose to 0.5% in January 2026, slightly above initial estimates of 0.4% and accelerating from 0.3% in the previous month. The latest figure also marked the highest reading since October, driven by higher costs of food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.2% vs 3.7% in December), alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics (2.9% vs 2.4%) and clothing and footwear (0.4% vs -0.5%). At the same time, prices declined at a softer pace for housing and utilities (-0.1% vs -2.6%), mainly due to rising electricity and rent costs. Meanwhile, prices decreased for health (-4.9% vs 2.8%), while inflation softened for recreation, sport and culture (0.6% vs 3.5%) and education services (3.5% vs 6.5%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.1% in January, following a flat reading in the preceding period. The CPIF, the Riksbank’s target measure, increased 2% annually and 0.3% monthly.

The annual inflation rate in Sweden rose to 0.4% in January 2026 from 0.3% in the previous month, according to preliminary estimates. The latest figure came in below market expectations of 0.6% but marked the highest reading since October. On a monthly basis, consumer prices edged up by 0.1% in January, after showing no growth in December. Meanwhile, the CPI with a fixed interest rate (CPIF), the Riskbank’s target measure, increased by 2% year-on-year in January, slightly easing from a 2.1% rise in the previous month and falling short of market forecasts of a 2.1% gain.