The statistics on services trade by enterprise characteristics enable a sound assessment of enterprises involved in international trade in services. They provide a valuable foundation for economic policy decisions and analyses.

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.

The outstanding amounts of assets and liabilities resulting from the Bundesbank's financial accounts can be presented in the form of financial balance sheets for the institutional sectors.

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.