The March 2020 Monthly Report analyses Germany’s balance of payments for 2019 and outlines the statistical data on households’ digital purchases that are contained in the balance of payments. It also includes an article on the challenges ahead posed by new reference interest rates using the implementation of the €STR in the euro area as an example.

In 2019, the Bundesbank achieved a net profit of 5.8 billion euros. After adjustment of the reserves, the net profit is 5.9 billion euros, the highest net profit since 2008, which the Bundesbank transferred in full to the Federal Ministry of Finance.