Norway’s Central Bank Expected to Hold Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns
Norges bank is expected to hold its key policy rate steady today, despite calls for further cuts.According to E24,both DNB and Nordea predict onyl one rate cut this year.
Economists generally agree that the central bank is not yet ready to further reduce interest rates, as the task of bringing inflation down remains incomplete. Kjetil Olsen, Nordea’s chief economist, stated, “There is no rush to reduce interest rates further,” in a report quoted by E24.
Birth Rates Continue Unexpected Rise in Norway
Norway experienced a continued increase in birth rates in 2025,with a total of 55,847 children born,according to preliminary figures from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI). This represents a 2.5 percent increase from the 54,013 births registered in 2024.
This upward trend marks a reversal of a long-term decline in Norway’s birth numbers and historically low fertility rates.The total fertility rate rose to 1.44 children per woman in 2024, up from 1.40 in 2023 – the first increase as 2009 – and continued to climb in 2025.
Norway Declines Participation in Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
Norway has announced it will not participate in the “Board of Peace” initiative launched by US President Donald Trump. The decision comes after Trump expressed frustration with Norway for not receiving the nobel Peace Prize, according to The Local.
State Secretary Kristoffer Thoner stated that the American proposal raises several questions requiring further discussion with the United States. Norway will not attend the signing ceremony in Davos but will continue its close cooperation with the US.
Originally intended to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza, the scope of Trump’s Board of Peace appears broader. The US administration has requested countries contribute up to $1 billion for a permanent spot on the board, with Trump serving as chairman.
Related reading