The People’s Republic of China currently has severe economic problems to contend with. On top of that, relations between advanced economies in the West and China have worsened noticeably of late. These developments also present considerable risks for Germany. “If these risks materialise, Germany’s economy could take a huge hit,” the Bundesbank writes in an article in its January Monthly Report. The article explores Germany’s dependence on China, and is the first to also focus on potential risks to the financial system. 

Pursuant to Eurosystem rules, auctions may be used alongside bilateral transactions as a supplementary procedure for specific market segments under the public sector purchase programme (PSPP). Within this framework, the Bundesbank conducts one multi-ISIN auction covering up to 10 securities on the second and fourth Thursday of every month. Advance notice for the auctions is issued on the Friday prior to the relevant auction.

The role of trade in goods in the development of global imbalances

Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €7.7 billion in April 2020,1 putting it €17.9 billion below the March level.  

Die deutsche Leistungsbilanz verzeichnete im September 2023 einen Überschuss von 28,1 Mrd €. Das Ergebnis lag um 5,3 Mrd € über dem Niveau des Vormonats.