The German financial system has weathered the exceptionally strong rise in interest rates well overall and has proved stable over the past months, the Bundesbank writes in its Financial Stability Review 2024. Credit risk is now increasingly coming under the spotlight, however. The financial system is facing acute challenges due to geopolitical tensions and a weak economy. The economy is also undergoing transformation, said Bundesbank Executive Board member Michael Theurer. Our top priority must be a resilient financial system.

Kirstin Hubrich explains the basics of financial stability and of this year’s Financial Stability Review.

Am deutschen Rentenmarkt war die Emissionstätigkeit im Dezember 2021 – wie häufig zum Ende eines Jahres – schwächer als im Vormonat. Insgesamt wurden inländische Schuldverschreibungen für 84,1 Mrd € emittiert, verglichen mit 135,2 Mrd € im November. 

Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €23.9 billion in December 2021, up €5.4 billion on the previous month’s level. The surplus in the goods account declined, but the surplus in invisible current transactions, which comprise services as well as primary and secondary income, increased considerably more strongly.

Individuals contribute significantly to carbon emissions. A recent Bundesbank discussion paper shows that providing information on combating climate change motivates individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. Presenting the information as the result of scientific research is just as effective as framing it as the behaviour of other people, the study finds. Both approaches led to the survey respondents stating that they wish to make more environmentally friendly choices.