Central government payments in April gave a surplus of SEK 23.3 billion. The surplus was thus SEK 4.5 billion lower than the Debt Office's forecast.
The deviation is mainly explained by the Debt Office's net lending to government agencies being higher than expected, and higher interest payments on the central government debt. All other payments were basically in line with our forecast.
Interest payments on central government debt were SEK 0.2 billion, which was SEK 0.9 billion higher than expected. The deviation is mainly explained by exchange rate differences (which are booked as interest payments).
Interest payments may for a short period of time be higher than zero as well as less than zero. This is due to the Debt office having loan instruments, on which we both receive interest and pay interest. For a short period of time the amount we receive may be larger than the amount we pay. Further, capital gains and losses result in interest payments. These capital gains and losses may be higher or less than zero.
The surplus for the twelve-month period from May 2007 to April 2008 amounted to SEK 137 billion. Central government debt amounted to SEK 1 052 billion at the end of April.
The outcome for May 2008 will be published at 9.30 am on 9 June 2008.
Further information can be obtained from:
Tord Arvidsson, phone +46 8 613 47 53
