The Deutsche Bundesbank and the Banque de France, six national central banks of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and the European Central Bank (ECB) have today launched a programme funded by the European Union (EU) with the aim of contributing to the macroeconomic and financial stability of African countries.

Real gross domestic product will probably decline again slightly in the first quarter of 2024, according to the March Monthly Report. The economy continues to experience headwinds from various directions. Domestic and foreign demand for German industrial products went down further. In addition, higher financing costs dampened domestic demand. Moreover, the available survey indicators still provide little evidence of an economic recovery for the coming quarter. 

“Over time, the IMF has repeatedly managed to emerge stronger from crises. However, the external circumstances have rarely been more challenging than they are today,” Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner and Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel write in a guest article at Handelsblatt. “An IMF that focuses on its core mandate is best placed to strengthen the global economic and monetary system,” they explain in a contribution to mark the IMF’s 80th anniversary. 

Vice-President Claudia M. Buch points out that an unexpected economic downturn could be amplified if the banking sector deleverages to maintain capital ratios. Hence, “banks must maintain capital buffers designed to absorb losses and thereby stabilizing lending”, Buch stated at an event in Dublin.