FAQs – REST API for interest rates and exchange rates

FAQs on the new REST API

Why is the Riksbank changing its API from SOAP to REST?

The Riksbank is modernising and changing its technical platform for the underlying API. In connection with this, we are also changing to a REST API that is more modern, easier to use and more future-proof. The same data will be exposed as before.

What do I need to do if I currently have an integration with the Riksbank's SOAP API?

As the Riksbank plans to phase out the SOAP API, you will need to plan a transision to the new REST API. To facilitate this, the old SOAP API will remain in parallel with the new REST API during a transition period. 

When does the Riksbank plans to switch to the new REST API?

The Riksbank plans to switch to the REST API during the last quarter of 2023. The old SOAP API will then be phased out after a transition period of approximately 3 months.

What is a beta version?

The purpose of the beta version is to give users the opportunity to look at the new solution and test connectivity and functionality. The Riksbank recommends existing users of the old SOAP API to plan for a transition to the new REST API and assess the scope of the work.

The beta version means that it is a version of the API that is not yet fully finalised and has not been fully tested. There may be changes and adjustments to the API. Information about any changes and adjustments will not be communicated in any way other than in the API documentation. 

Our recommendation is to start developing towards this API and/or review the implications of migrating from the old API. When the beta period is over, both the new REST API and the old SOAP API will be available for a transition period. During this transition period, a migration must take place before the old API is de-published.

How long does the beta period last?

It is planned to last at least three months. 

How long will the transition period be?

The transition period is planned to last for at least three months. The final timetable will be communicated later.  

Are there any restrictions on calling the new API?

We have a limit on the number of calls from the same IP address within a certain time span. If there is a greater need, it is possible to register on the Riksbank's API portal to obtain a personal API key that allows more calls.

What unit are the currencies presented in?

In the old SOAP API, for some currencies, the exchange rate in Swedish kronor is quoted against 1 unit of the foreign currency, and for other currencies, the exchange rate in Swedish kronor is quoted against 100 units of the foreign currency. In the new REST API, the rate in Swedish krona is quoted against 1 unit of the foreign currency for all currencies.

Does the source have to be stated when distributing the statistics?

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

If I have processed statistics taken from the Riksbank’s website, 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 API for commercial purposes?

Yes, you may. The Riksbank’s statistical database is freely available without charge and may be freely adapted and used without any particular permission or agreement being required.

Is there anything I cannot do with the API?

You may not use the API to spread harmful codes. Nor may you present the service you have developed as an “official cooperation” or “partnership” with the Riksbank.

How do I receive notification of new version of the API?

New versions will be announced at this page. 

What does Ultimo mean?

Ultimo is the rate listed on the final banking day of the month. Example: Ultimo for SEK/EUR on 30 December 2011 = 8.9447.

Why does my search show “n/a” for some series?

N/a stands for Not available and means that one or more observations for the selected time period are unavailable. Check the period of validity for the series by clicking on the link Series information. The date in brackets after the series name shows the period during which there are observations for this series.

If a series has not yet been updated with the current day’s value, this will be reported as n/a (missing). Try to repeat your search a little later in the day.

A series can also be stated as n/a as a result of bank holidays.

Why doesn’t my search show observations for all of the selected series?

If a series is excluded from the results this is probably due to that series’ period of validity lying outside of the selected time period. Check the period of validity of the series. The date in brackets after the series name shows the period during which there are observations for this series.

Why does my result show strange values, or values as text instead of figures, in Excel?

If you select a different decimal separator than the start value suggested when the search interpretation opens, the figures may be indicated wrongly or interpreted as text when the file is opened in Excel. Go back to the search page and select the same decimal separator as that applying to Excel and then click on “Search” again.

Why won't my Excel file open?

This is often because you already have the Excel program open. In this case, switch from your web browser to Excel and check that a new file has opened.

What is the meaning of the date in brackets after a series name?

This date indicates the period during which there are observations for this series. If there is no final date in the brackets, the series is open. This means that it is usually updated with a new listing every day.

Why are some currencies expressed in single digits and others in hundreds?

In some cases, exchange rates are given as the price for 1 or 100 units of the foreign currency. The currency price fixing presented on the Riksbank’s website has the unit of 100 for some currencies. This is due purely to historical reasons leading to this practice still being applied.

How many decimals do interest rate and exchange rate observations have?

The values for interest rates and exchange rates are published with up to 4 decimals. In the web service, values are delivered in scientific format for the data type double. For example 1.0E1, which corresponds to 10.

Why aren’t å/ä/ö correctly shown in the presentation format CSV file in Excel when the file is opened in Macintosh?

This is because the file has the same character set as PC/Windows (ANSI). In order for Excel to be able to show å/ä/ö correctly the file must first be saved and then imported into Excel. Unfortunately the import guide does not open in Excel when the file is opened from Macintosh. It is therefore preferable to use, if possible, the Text file presentation format or to select Advanced Search in the English version of the website, rather than the Swedish version.

If you have questions about the Riksbank’s web service for interest rates and exchange rates

E-mail: API@riksbank.se