The MFI interest rate statistics have been collected on a harmonised basis in the euro area since January 2003.They replaced the Bundesbank's interest rate statistics, which were discontinued at the end of the June 2003 reference month.

As agreed with the central associations of the German banking industry, the bank sort code files will be updated on a quarterly basis on the Monday following the first Saturday in March, June, September and December.

The money market is where short-term loans and securities are traded. Based on this general definition, the money market is the counterpart of the capital market, where long-term financial contracts are concluded. In international and national statistics, it is customary to allocate maturities of up to (and including) one year to the money market sector.

The Counterfeit Money Unit's task is to examine and store counterfeit money of any currency which is seized in Germany or confiscated by the police. We also check the authenticity of payment cards, securities, traveller's cheques and gold and silver coins which are legal tender. Another focal point of our work is to prevent the circulation of counterfeit money.

The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) is the key measure of price stability in the euro area. The Bundesbank provides inflation data for Germany which are important for monetary policy purposes.