Bank lending rates lowered 0.2 percentage points, deposit rates unchanged

The Riksbank's survey of banks and housing intermediaries shows that at 6.4 per cent on 30 September, the average level of bank lending rates had been lowered 0.2 percentage points during the third quarter, while the average deposit rate was unchanged at 2.4 per cent. The spread between bank lending and deposit rates at the end of the third quarter was accordingly 4.0 percentage points.

The housing credit institutions lowered their variable lending rates in the third quarter by an average of 0.2 percentage points to 5.0 per cent. The average lending rate for their total loan stock fell 0.3 percentage points to 7.2 per cent.

The survey data will be available on the Riksbank's web site: www.riksbank.se/eng under the heading Statistics. They can also be ordered from the Riksbank's Information Centre by e-mail (info@riksbank.se), fax (+46 8 787 05 26) or telephone (+46 8 787 01 00). They are included, moreover, in Financial Market Statistics 10, October 1998, which is scheduled for publication in week 50 (Dec. 7–13); copies can be collected from the Riksbank (11 Brunkebergstorg or 7 Malmskillnadsgatan).

For further information please contact the Financial Statistics Department:
Anna-Karin Nedersjö phone: +46 8 787 01 27,
e-mail: anna-karin.nedersjo@riksbank.se and
Lena Eriksson: phone: +46 8 787 04 70; e-mail: lena.eriksson/afs@riksbank.se.