BANK OF AMERICA EXPECTS NORGES BANK TO HOLD RATES, POINTS TO TIGHTENING RISKS

Norges Bank Likely to Keep Rates at 4.50%: Analysts expect the interest rate to stay at this level.

Data Shows Slightly Hawkish Trend: Recent data suggests more pressure for rate hikes, even though core inflation dropped unexpectedly in December.

Factors Supporting Tightening:

Global interest rates, especially in the U.S., are rising.

Energy prices are higher.

The Norwegian krone is weaker than expected.

House prices remain strong, and the labor market is resilient.