Marknadsåtgärder

Marknadsåtgärder refers to the measures taken by market regulators and financial authorities to maintain orderly functioning and safeguard the integrity of financial markets. In Sweden this term is commonly used within the framework of the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen, FI) and the Swedish Central Bank (Riksbanken). The purpose of marknadsåtgärder is to prevent market manipulation, excessive volatility, and systemic risk, while preserving fair access for all participants.

Typical marknadsåtgärder include temporary trading halts or circuit breakers, which pause trading of a security when its price moves beyond predetermined limits. These interventions give market participants time to assess the underlying cause of the abrupt price move and can help prevent panic-driven selling. Another common tool is the central bank’s intervention in currency markets, where Riksbanken may buy or sell Swedish krona to stabilise foreign exchange rates and keep inflation in check. The FI may also impose restrictions on the use of short selling or enforce disclosure requirements for large shareholders to prevent covert market manipulation.

In addition to reactive measures, marknadsåtgärder can be proactive. Swedish authorities periodically review and update regulations to adapt to technological changes, such as high-frequency trading or electronic market platforms. They may also introduce or amend rules governing market data usage, fair access to trading venues, or the organisation of clearing and settlement systems after the 2014 introduction of new Swedish Global Settlement rules.

Finally, marknadsåtgärder are coordinated across the European Union through the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). EU-wide harmonised rules on market abuse, insider trading, and trading halts ensure that Swedish measures are consistent with broader European standards, promoting cross-border market confidence and protecting investors across the single market.