The finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 countries met in Washington to continue their discussions on core issues of the German G20 presidency. Besides global economic growth prospects, the main focus was on financial market regulation and the further development of global economic and financial governance.

The outlook for Germany's economy remains upbeat. The Bundesbank's latest half-yearly projection singles out buoyant domestic demand as the main factor driving the robust upswing. Exports are also predicted to gain renewed traction from 2017 onwards.

Germany’s net international investment position stood at €1,709 billion at the end of 2016, thus amounting to around 54% of nominal gross domestic product. Year-on-year, the German net external asset position thereby increased by €231 billion.

A study conducted by the Bundesbank's Research Centre shows that Germany's expansionary fiscal policy had a stimulating effect during the crisis. However, its impact on other countries within the euro area was marginal.