Data can be reported based on one of two principles. When applying the asset/liability principle (ALP), FDI assets and liabilities are reported in gross terms. This principle is consistent with the international requirements for compiling the balance of payments and the stock statistics for the international investment position.

At the end of 2025, the German net international investment position (i.i.p.) amounts to €3.7 trillion; that equates to 82 % of gross domestic product (GDP). German claims on non-residents now stand at €14.5 trillion. This compares to German liabilities amounting to €10.8 trillion.

The counterfeits being spread at present can be detected by checking the security features. In most cases, counterfeiters focus on just one or only few security features. Therefore, it is advisable to check several features.

The Bundesbank has a dedicated credit assessment system to assess the credit quality of debtors of non-marketable assets. Credit assessment goes back a long way at the Bundesbank. Counterparties can use the Bank's credit assessment to determine an enterprise's or debtor's eligibility in the context of their monetary policy operations.

The continual observation of price stability is based on analyses of price statistics. Particular attention is usually paid to the German Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and the national Consumer Price Index (CPI), which are both published by the Federal Statistical Office and often used throughout the EU and as inflation measures.

The securities holdings statistics provide a picture of the structure of securities held in Germany.