Naturally, we wish to avoid this. But at the same time, I think it is important to begin to take action. In the long run, it is no sustainable for debts to continue increasing at the same pace as today. So why does the Riksbank care about household indebtedness? The Riksbank is concerned about household indebtedness partly because international confidence in the Swedish housing and mortgage markets are necessary conditions for our financial system to function smoothly. Financial developments in turn are linked to developments in the real economy. The indebtedness of Swedish households can thus affect the Riksbank’s conditions to carry out its statutory tasks, price stability and financial stability. It is therefore important that the Riksbank continues to follow developments, analyses and highlights risks linked to household indebtedness. 8  See Barclays 2012. (Over-promising? Encumbrance at European Banks, Barclays Capital Equity Research. 9  See Financial Stability Report 2013:2, Sveriges Riksbank. 8  BIS central bankers’ speeches
Furthermore, central banks should seriously consider the question of whether they need to intervene when risks in the financial system increase as a result of strong credit growth and an easing of lending conditions. Credit aggregates are part of the SNB’s monetary policy strategy, and the National Bank monitors their development closely. However, the SNB’s main aim is and will continue to be the maintenance of price stability. BIS Review 35/2010  1