In light of the ongoing tariff dispute, uncertainty in the financial markets and within firms is high, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel has said in a joint press statement with Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil. The pair were speaking whilst attending the meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in KwaZulu-Natal. Mr Nagel stressed the vital importance of reaching an agreement in the conflict over tariffs, but he insisted that the EU should not acquiesce to the United States at all costs. He also called on the United States not to treat the situation like a game: “At the end of the day, when there’s the potential for economic policies that could cause major damage on a global scale, it’s everybody’s prosperity that’s at stake.”

In the first quarter of 2025, German households’ financial assets grew only slightly, closing the quarter at €9,053 billion. This represents a rise of €9 billion on the previous quarter. Households increased their claims by €90 billion, but suffered valuation losses of €82 billion.