Here you can find background information on the TARGET balances.

Real interest rates are interest rates that have been adjusted for developments in purchasing power. They are broadly calculated as the difference between the nominal interest rate and the inflation rate (in the case of low interest rates and relatively stable prices).

Central banks base their monetary policy on balance sheet data from banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions, as well as from households, businesses, and parts of the government. These reports provide important information about behavior and developments in the respective sectors.

The Counterfeit Money Unit's task is to examine and store counterfeit money of any currency which is seized in Germany or confiscated by the police. We also check the authenticity of payment cards, securities, traveller's cheques and gold and silver coins which are legal tender. Another focal point of our work is to prevent the circulation of counterfeit money.