Earlier this week, Statistics Sweden announced that inflation was unchanged during the month of July.
In an interview with News24 said the economist Frida Bratt that the announcement, which was expected, should result in a positive development for mortgage borrowers.
– I think we can expect a total of four interest rate cuts during the autumn, and perhaps more around the turn of the year. For mortgage borrowers, brighter times are definitely ahead.
READ MORE: How you are affected by the inflation notice: “Challenged for many”
As inflation was unchanged, however, things have happened in the grocery trade, above all when it comes to store prices. On average, prices rose by 0.1 percent during July, which Matpriskollen reports.
In an interview with Grocery news develops Matpriskollen’s CEO Ulf Mazur that the price increase was low but that trade is still under pressure.
– I would like to compare it to a duck. It appears to be very calm on the water while splashing hard under the surface to get to the surface. I simply believe that many people have it tougher than they show and that applies both among households and in the industry.
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ICA raises prices the most
When it comes to the stores whose prices have been raised the most, one company really stands out.
When the Food Price Monitor compares 2024 with last year, it turns out that the ICA group has had the biggest price change. At the top are both Ica Maxi, Ica Supermarket and Ica Kvantum.
In comparison with Stora Coop, which is found at the bottom of the price comparison, the Ica stores have a price increase of between two and three percentage points.
Price development in 2024 compared to the previous year:
– I interpret it as that Ica is still able to raise prices more than the market. Although many consumers are more price conscious now, there are customer groups who relax to some extent and return to a buying pattern where store location and assortment become most important. Then it is enough that you have good enough prices, not the best, says Mazur to Dagligvarunytt.
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Ica’s billion profit
The ICA group recently reported an operating profit of SEK 2.2 billion for the second quarter of 2024. At the same time, the total turnover amounted to SEK 39.8 billion.
At the same time that the company is doing well, they do not dare to promise customers any price reductions in the future.
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Photo: Hasse Holmberg/TT