Beyoncé Gets Blamed for New Inflation Surge in Sweden

Inflation rates recently rose in Sweden after Beyoncé brought her Renaissance World Tour to Stockholm on May 10.

Sweden’s inflation rates have recently been on the rise for goods, services, electricity, and food prices along with other expenses. Millions of people, locals and tourists, are dependent on these goods.

This week, however, Beyoncé is receiving blame for a 0.2-point increase in goods and services in Sweden after touring there last May.

And the BeyHive is not “Crazy in Love” with these accusations.

Seriously? Always thought Sweden had a modicum of common sense, clearly not?

— john (@johnbouy1) June 14, 2023

Michael Grahn, Danske Bank’s Chief Economist in Sweden, explained to the Financial Times, “Beyoncé is responsible for the extra upside surprise this month. It’s quite astonishing for a single event. We haven’t seen this before.” He continued by estimating the surge in points she created after performing at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.

According to Statistics Sweden, “Prices increased for a broad set of goods and services, for instance, hotel and restaurant visits, recreational services, and clothing.”

This supports Grahn’s statement, bur there are other contributors to the escalating inflation rates. Furnishing and household goods, transportation, along with recreation and culture, have contributed to the increase of inflation rates in Sweden.

Some took to Twitter to ask why Taylor Swift, currently traveling across the U.S. on her Eras Tour was praised for raising GDP while Beyonce is now being criticized for raising inflation rates.

Could people who understand pop music better than I do explain to me why Taylor Swift increases GDP but Beyoncé increases inflation? pic.twitter.com/IvUDKfabnD

— Jason Furman (@jasonfurman) June 14, 2023

Users responded to these questions, claiming that these accusations are due to Sweden releasing their inflation data, not GDP data and that high inflation and increased GDP are not mutually exclusive.

BeyHive: don’t let this stop you from supporting Beyoncé and your favorite artists. Let this serve as a reminder that inflation is a global issue and can be the cause of many issues, some of which aren’t so clear as to put in a headline.