In a speech delivered at the National Economic Association in Stockholm, Riksbank Governor Erik Thedéen emphasized the importance of caution when it comes to securities purchases, stating that the main tool of monetary policy should be the policy rate. Thedéen’s remarks centered on his fundamental views regarding monetary policy and financial stability.
Date: May 23, 2023, 12:30 PM
Speaker: Riksbank Governor Erik Thedéen
Venue: National Economic Association
In his address, Thedéen stated, “My current assessment is that securities purchases are primarily effective in countering financial crises. Securities purchases in the form of government bonds may be justified in certain cases when monetary policy needs to become more expansionary. However, the threshold for extensive bond purchases to safeguard the inflation target should be high.”
Thedéen also commented on the concerns in the financial markets related to banking issues in the United States and Switzerland during the spring. He emphasized the importance of learning from crises, suggesting that global standards for financial regulation may need to be revised in several areas.
“An example of regulation currently under discussion in the United States is deposit insurance. In the case of Silicon Valley Bank, we witnessed how easy it is to transfer funds instantaneously with the click of a button, while rumors spread rapidly on social media. Therefore, it is crucial to strike the right balance between guaranteeing deposits to avoid a rush of withdrawals and ensuring that creditors incentivize banks to avoid excessive risks.”
Thedéen also highlighted the ongoing debate among financial actors, academics, and central banks regarding the extent to which monetary policy should counteract the buildup of risks in the financial system.
“It is an interesting and important discussion that I am following closely. It is not unreasonable to assume that a highly expansionary monetary policy over an extended period can lead to increased risk-taking and higher indebtedness. In such a situation, a prudent risk assessment may suggest raising interest rates earlier rather than later. Of course, this is under the condition that the credibility of the inflation target is not affected and that it occurs when other policies aimed at safeguarding financial stability are unable to fully limit the risks. Therefore, it is only in exceptional cases that the responsibility for preserving financial stability falls on policy areas other than monetary policy.”
Thedéen also emphasized the interdependence of monetary and fiscal policies, highlighting the necessity of stable public finances for price stability. Fiscal policy can also influence the Riksbank’s ability to achieve the inflation target in the short term. Consequently, Thedéen concluded his speech by stating that there should be room for information exchange.
“The independence of the Riksbank is crucial for maintaining confidence in the inflation target. However, this does not prevent us from discussing issues relevant to monetary policy and its goal achievement with bodies such as the Finance Committee and the Ministry of Finance.”
Thedéen’s remarks underscore the importance of a cautious approach to securities purchases and the need for effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal policies to ensure financial stability and the attainment of inflation targets.