Historical Monetary Statistics of Sweden 1668-2008

The Riksbank has started a project to construct historical monetary statistics of Sweden from 1668 (the founding year of the Riksbank) to the present. A preliminary version of a database is now online. Some of the time series stretch back to the early Middle Ages. The project is partly inspired by a similar project initiated by the Norges bank, which has resulted in a book on historical monetary statistics for Norway 1819-2003 (see link below).

 

The construction of historical statistics is especially problematic, since definitions change over time. Various breaks in the time series occur. At the present, consistent officially produced time series on various monetary statistics often only exist for 1-2 decades back in time. The aim of the project is to present time series that are consistent over time, adjusted to the definitions applied today.

 

The project involves economists and economic historians from Stockholm , Gothenburg and Lund .

 

The database is organised around the following sections:

  • Prices. A Consumer Price Index is presented for the whole period 1290-2006.
  • Wages, from 1540 onwards.
  • Exchange rates. Contains exchange rates between various currency units existing in Sweden 1291-1834 and foreign exchange rates from 1658 onwards.
  • Money supply and closely related-related aggregates from 1871 onwards.
  • Stock exchange and interest rates from 1856 onwards.
  • Central government loans from 1668 onwards.

The project may also include data on other areas in the future.

DOCUMENTATION
 
Research overview and project plan | PDF icon 145 Kb
EXTERNAL LINKS
 
The Norwegian project


LAST REVIEWED
2/28/2008