Energy prices skyrocketed and the cost of groceries went up significantly: life suddenly became more expensive in many places starting in early 2021. In the current issue of the Monthly Report, the Bundesbank’s economists examine what was behind these price increases, why inflation has since eased again and what role was played by central banks. They also reveal why the path back to price stability has posed no major disruptions to the real economy so far.

The Bundesbank posted a profit of €1.0 billion for the 2016 financial year, compared with €3.2 billion in 2015. Owing to an allocation to the reserves, the remaining distributable profit amounted to €0.4 billion and was transferred in full today to the Federal Government pursuant to section 27 number 2 of the Bundesbank Act (Bundesbankgesetz).