Initial calculations by the Federal Statistical Office indicate that price-adjusted gross domestic product in Germany rose by 2.2% last year. The strong growth on the demand side was broadly based and was supported by both external and domestic stimuli. In 2017, employment reached its highest level since German reunification.

According to the calculations of the Federal Statistical Office, the German economy grew by 0.7 % in the first three months of 2016, with households and general government being the main drivers. In April, consumer prices fell for the first time since January 2015.

Bundesbank Executive Board member Carl-Ludwig Thiele has outlined the advantages and drawbacks of blockchain technology in a speech, stating that the basic version of this technology must be adapted to financial transaction conditions if it is to be used in the financial sector.

German external assets grew by a net €231 billion in 2016, closing the year at €1,709 billion. This increase was chiefly attributable to net capital exports, which were primarily a reflection of last year’s current account surplus.