Frequently asked questions about exchange rates

When are exchange rates published? 

New exchange rate values are published every Swedish business day at 16.15. Monthly exchange rate averages are available on the last banking day of each month, and annual currency rate averages are available on the last banking day of each year, at 16.15.

What exchange rates does the Riksbank publish?

The Riksbank publishes the same exchange rates that the ECB publishes.

What is the source of the exchange rates published by the Riksbank?

The exchange rates published by the Riksbank as of 27 November 2023 are set by the ECB (European Central Bank), but converted by the Riksbank to rates against Swedish kronor. Previously, the Riksbank published exchange rates set by Nasdaq.

Is it necessary to cite the source when disseminating statistics on interest rates and exchange rates?

Yes, you must always state that Sveriges Riksbank is the source (“Source: Sveriges Riksbank”).

The exchange rates published by the Riksbank as of 27 November 2023 are set by the ECB (European Central Bank), but converted by the Riksbank to rates against Swedish kronor. Previously, the Riksbank published exchange rates set by Nasdaq.

If I have processed statistics on interest rates and exchange rates myself, do I still have to state the source?

No, in that case you should not state Sveriges Riksbank as the source.

May I use the data for commercial purposes?

The Riksbank’s data is freely available without charge and the data may be freely adapted and used without any particular permission or agreement being required. However, exchange rates are indicative only and are published by the Riksbank for information purposes. They should therefore not be used for transactional purposes.

How are the exchange rates calculated?

The exchange rates are so-called mid-prices (prices midway between buy and sell prices) on the interbank market at a given time. Close to the time when exchange rates are quoted, around 14:10 (Central European Time), the European Central Bank (ECB) receives a relevant exchange rate, such as the amount of Swedish kronor for one euro, on the interbank market from banks and electronic trading systems and sets the most accurate market rate possible at that time. Read more on the European Central Bank’s website.

Where can I find the exchange rates that the Riksbank does not publish?

If you want information about an exchange rate that is not in the Riksbank’s database, contact your commercial bank or a bureau de change for further information or refer to a website such as Oanda.com or SEB Group’s website.

In which unit are exchange rates published?

The rate for all currencies in the Riksbank's database is given as 1 Swedish krona against 1 unit of the foreign currency with effect from 27 November 2023. (Previously, the exchange rate was quoted in Swedish kronor against 100 units of the foreign currency for certain currencies).

Can exchange rates be retrieved automatically from the Riksbank?

Yes, they can. The Riksbank is developing a new REST API (Application Programming Interface) with the aim of making it easier for users to integrate their systems to automatically retrieve interest rates and exchange rates from the Riksbank's website. Retrieving interest rates and exchange rates via API.

Does the Riksbank calculate and publish the aggregate annual average?

No, the new search page “Search annual and monthly averages” does not calculate or publish any aggregate annual average. This page only provides the annual average for years that have passed.

How do I calculate the aggregate annual average on my own?

Then you have to use the search form on the page "Search interest rates and exchange rates". Select one or more currencies and take out the daily values from the first banking day of the year to the last banking day of the selected period. Export the results to Excel (XLS) and then calculate an average for the year on your own.

Why does the Riksbank no longer calculate and publish the aggregate annual average?

This functionality has not been developed, but if you want aggregated annual averages, you can use the search form on the page “Search interest rates and exchange rates” and do the calculation yourself.

How far back is there a history of exchange rates?

Information on the history of exchange rates can be found on the page Historical exchange rates and discontinued currencies.

What are currency forward rates?

You can buy or sell one currency against another currency at a later date, at a rate determined today, known as am 'exchange rate future'. The price of an exchange rate future is expressed in basis points. This is what determines the premium that you pay or that you receive.

What are special drawing rights (SDR)?

SDR, Special Drawing Rights, are an international reserve asset created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to supplement the existing official reserves of member countries. The SDR is not a currency, its value is calculated as a basket of five currencies (US dollar, euro, renminbi, yen and pound sterling).

DISCLAIMERS and RESERVATION

Exchange rates are indicative only and are published by the Riksbank for information purposes. They should therefore not be used for transactional purposes.

The Riksbank disclaims liability for any errors or changes in values afterwards and for any interruptions in the functioning of the website and the API that may affect access to the statistics.

The Riksbank reserves the right to make updates/changes to the website and the API that may affect the downloading of statistics.

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Updated 15/12/2023