The Deutsche Bundesbank’s external statistics specify direct investment abroad by resident investors and investments in the domestic economy by non-residents.

Speaking at the Bundesbank’s fifth cash symposium in Berlin, Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann and Executive Board member Johannes Beermann stressed that banknotes and coins still have an important role to play in payments. The main features of cash are that it is quick, easy and secure, Mr Weidmann explained.

Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann says central banks shouldn’t become harnessed to fiscal policy or financial markets. “One of the secrets of success for an independent monetary policy has always been recognising and respecting one’s own limitations,” he explained. Turning to the question of how stubborn the high price pressures will be, he said the elevated inflation rates will probably take longer than previously projected to recede again. “We should not ignore the risk of too high inflation and instead remain watchful.”