Norway
Norges Bank does not rule out launching digital currency
Central bank publishes first phase of research, saying a digital currency could be an alternative to deposit money when cash usage declines
Norway’s pension fund suffers volatile first quarter
Fund loses $21 billion amid market gyrations but real estate proves its worth
Norges Bank launches research blog
New platform aims to encourage discussions on central bank’s research
Norwegian governor reflects on investment of oil revenues
A conservative approach allows the country to avoid “Dutch disease” – Olsen
Norway maintains countercyclical capital buffer at 2%
Norges Bank advises the government not to reduce the buffer because of high household debt
Norges Bank board strikes more bullish tone on outlook
Stronger signs from the economy prompt the central bank to bring forward plans for first hike; new inflation target will have limited effect on policy, central bank says
Norwegian SWF invested $1.9 billion in unlisted real estate in 2017
The fund obtained a 7.5% return in a part of its portfolio that amounts to $28 billion
Divestments based on ethical grounds reduce returns of Norway’s fund
The exclusions trimmed cumulative returns on the equity index by 3.3% since 2004
Norway lowers inflation target and changes policy mandate
The new mandate emphasises the need for high employment and financial stability
Norwegian sovereign wealth fund says 2017 saw third-highest annual returns
NBIM says returns from holdings in oil and gas companies lag those of other sectors
The winners of the 2018 Central Banking Awards
Bank of Canada wins Central Bank of the Year, Lesetja Kganyago picks up Governor of the Year and Perng Fai-nan receives Lifetime Achievement Award; 16 more awards unveiled
Denmark selects Oberthur Fiduciaire as banknote supplier
The agreement will last four years, and the first notes printed by the firm are set to enter circulation in 2020
Norway’s SWF puts forward anti-corruption recommendations
Fund says investing in firms with strong anti-corruption credentials helps preserve its asset value
Central Banking Awards: Perng Fai-nan recognised for lifetime achievements
The first four 2018 Central Banking Awards are unveiled – banknote and currency management, consultancy, innovation in reserve management, and lifetime achievement
Banknote and currency manager of the year: Norges Bank
The Nordic central bank has redefined how its banknotes are designed, incorporating top-notch security and an innovative awareness campaign
NBIM eyes private equity investment in potential shake-up
Letter to finance ministry says the fund’s structure and goals make unlisted equities a wise investment, but acknowledges a 4% cap would be sensible
Higher inflation in Norway supports tighter outlook
Norges Bank brings forward its first planned rate hike to late 2018
People: RBA appoints new assistant governor
Susan Woods takes position of assistant governor for corporate services; new executive board member at Norges Bank; Central Bank of Ireland appoints director of economics
Weak inflation in Nordic countries likely to keep rates on hold
Sveriges Riksbank and Norges Bank set to prolong their dovish stances in last policy meeting of 2017; Iceland holds rates
High private debt imperils financial stability in Norway, research finds
Households most at risk of shrinking their expenditure account for 50% of private consumption
Norway’s sovereign fund acquires its first Asian real estate
Norges Bank recommended in November the fund should abandon equity investments in oil and natural gas
Norges Bank advises removal of oil and gas stock from government fund
Norway’s SWF held $36.5 billion in equities in the sector at the end of September 2017
Norwegian policy normalisation is feasible – analysts
Uncommon combination of higher oil prices and weak currency offsets subdued consumer prices
High debt threatens financial stability in Norway, central bank says
Household debt ratios and rising property prices are the two main vulnerabilities for the system