Is there a difference between the inflation expectations of private households in Germany formed under the ECB’s previous target definition of “below, but close to, 2%” and those under the new inflation target of “symmetrically 2%”? New survey results from the Bundesbank Online Panel Households (BOP-HH) show that the new inflation target is associated with moderately higher inflation expectations for the next two to three years. The differences become more accentuated when the respondents are also told that the new monetary policy strategy entails the possibility of inflation exceeding the target.

The October 2021 edition of the Monthly Report contains an article on state government finances in 2020 from the perspective of the temporary impact of the pandemic on the deficit situation and the effect of escape clauses on the building of reserves. Another topic discussed is the development of the global economy during the coronavirus pandemic. The question of how households in Germany view the digital euro is also addressed, with a presentation of initial survey results and interviews. The report additionally features an article on the regulation of remuneration in credit institutions.