A prolonged period of even lower interest rates would increase the risk that debt and asset prices will be driven up to levels that are unsustainable over time. We thus obtain a smoother interest rate path when we also give weight to the other two criteria. The criteria and loss function reflect the Bank’s reaction pattern in the period following the financial crisis. We are responding to new insight and lessons learned. The loss function is a mathematical illustration and must be regarded as a simplified representation of the more extensive assessments underlying interest rate decisions. Interest rate setting is based on the Executive Board’s assessment, not a model calculation. Mathematics and models can, however, clarify the alternatives. There is considerable uncertainty as to the effect of low interest rates over extended periods on risk-taking behaviour and the buildup of financial imbalances. 7 In this regard, we are in quite uncharted waters. How financial imbalances build up is not explicitly considered in the analytical apparatus. Work is in progress both in Norway and internationally to further develop the economic models used in monetary policy analysis. As we gain new insight and gather experience, our assessments of economic relationships may change. This will also influence the formulation of our models. 7  Monetary Policy Report 1/12, box on pages 15–16, Norges Bank, and “Norges Bank’s new monetary policy loss function – further discussion”, Snorre Evjen and Thea B. Kloster, Norges Bank Staff Memo 11/2012.
With firmly anchored inflation expectations, Norges Bank has also been able to give weight to economic stability when setting the key policy rate. Further light is being shed on the interaction between monetary policy and financial stability. Inflation targeting in Norway has become more flexible. At the same time, we cannot overburden monetary policy. In weighing the various considerations, we will in our  8  “Liquidity in the foreign exchange market for EUR/NOK”, Kathrine Lund, Norges Bank Economic Commentaries 3/2011. 8  BIS central bankers’ speeches  interest rate setting adhere to the primary objective of monetary policy – low and stable inflation. Thank you for your attention. BIS central bankers’ speeches  9  10  BIS central bankers’ speeches  BIS central bankers’ speeches  11  12  BIS central bankers’ speeches  BIS central bankers’ speeches  13  14  BIS central bankers’ speeches  BIS central bankers’ speeches  15  16  BIS central bankers’ speeches  BIS central bankers’ speeches  17  18  BIS central bankers’ speeches  BIS central bankers’ speeches  19  20  BIS central bankers’ speeches  BIS central bankers’ speeches  21  22  BIS central bankers’ speeches  BIS central bankers’ speeches  23  24  BIS central bankers’ speeches