Norway showed exemplary economic performance over the past decade, as reflected in the strong economic growth and low inflation. Executive Directors commended this development, and stressed the need to maintain monetary and fiscal stances, improve efficiency, and corporate governance. They...

This Selected Issues paper of Norway presents a cyclical indicator of fiscal policy at the general government level, and provides an updated assessment of the long-term fiscal position based on the future profile of the State Petroleum Fund (SPF). The study focuses on structural changes needed...

This Selected Issues paper analyzes core and idiosyncratic inflation in Norway. The paper provides estimates of underlying inflation, using a statistical technique to decompose inflation and a measure of core inflation into “common” and “idiosyncratic” components. It finds that overall...

This Selected Issues paper analyzes inflation in Norway with a view to shedding light on this surprising development and the possible near-term course of inflation, using statistical and econometric analyses. The paper reviews recent developments of monetary policy and inflation in Norway,...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Norwegian economy is set to grow strongly in 2007 for the fourth consecutive year. This economic performance is underpinned by strong monetary and fiscal policy frameworks. External demand, both for petroleum products and other Norwegian...

In 2003, domestic and external factors in Norway slowed real GDP growth to an estimated 0.5 percent. With inflation pressures waning, Norges Bank cut interest rates aggressively. The non-oil fiscal position has deteriorated somewhat over the past two years, only partly reflecting the cycle....

This paper presents key findings of Norway’s Financial System Stability Assessment, including Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes on Banking Supervision, Insurance Regulation, and Payment Systems. Norway’s financial system appears sound and well managed. Short-term...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that Norway’s real mainland GDP growth rebounded strongly in 2004, after a slowdown that began in late 2002. Very supportive monetary conditions, high oil prices, rising housing prices, strengthening consumer and business confidence, and an improved...

This 2002 Article IV Consultation for Norway highlights that the mainland GDP growth edged up to an estimated 1.4 percent in 2002, from 12 percent in 2001, driven by strong consumption growth. Mainland investment and traditional exports slackened, as a result of weak external demand, high real...

This 2001 Article IV Consultation highlights that the real mainland (non-oil) GDP of Norway is estimated to have grown well below potential in 2001, at 11⁄4 percent. Although high oil prices supported household confidence and domestic activity through most of the year, the global slowdown has...