STOCKHOLM, March 16 Reuters Longterm inflation expectations among financial and business groups in Sweden fell in March, a poll commissioned by the central bank showed on Thursday.

Inflation measured with a fixed interest rate five years ahead, the horizon watched most closely by the central bank, was seen at 2.2 versus 2.3 three months earlier.

Inflation expectations close to the 2 target have been one of few bright spots for the Riksbank as it is struggling to force down unexpectedly high consumer prices. It has raised interest rates to 3, with more hikes expected, from zero a year ago.

This week, annual headline inflation came in at 9.4, in line with the Riksbank39;s forecast in February. But underlying price pressures stripping out volatile energy prices jumped to 9.3 yearonyear from 8.7 in the previous month.

In one year, CPIF inflation was seen at 4.8, the poll by Kantar Sifo Prospera showed.

Looking only at money market players, CPIF inflation was seen at 4.8 in one year and at 2.2 five years ahead, the survey showed.

Reporting by Johan Ahlander; editing by Niklas Pollard

Source Reuters