Press releases
Here is a list of the Deutsche Bundesbank’s current press releases.
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Germany’s foreign direct investment stocks at the end of 2023
At year-end 2023, Germany’s primary outward foreign direct investment (FDI) stocks were up only marginally on the end of 2022 in net terms, rising from €1,694 billion to €1,701 billion. In particular, the appreciation of the euro – coupled with corresponding negative exchange rate effects – played a part in dampening the small increase in stocks. As in the previous years, equity capital accounted for the bulk of Germany’s primary outward FDI, at €1,851 billion. German investors’ foreign credit positions reduced the direct investment stocks by €150 billion on balance, as claims of €433 billion were outweighed by liabilities of €583 billion.
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Acquisition of financial assets and external financing in Germany in the fourth quarter of 2024 Results of the financial accounts by sector
In the fourth quarter of 2024, German households’ nominal financial assets grew by €136 billion, totalling €9,050 billion as at the end of the year. This is now the fifth increase in succession, continuing the growth streak that has been ongoing since the end of 2023. Households increased their claims by €79 billion and generated valuation gains of €57 billion.
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April results of the Bank Lending Survey (BLS) in Germany Demand continued to rise in all loan categories
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German balance of payments in February 2025
The German current account recorded a surplus of €20.0 billion in February 2025, up €5.0 billion on the previous month’s level. The surplus in invisible current transactions, which comprise services as well as primary and secondary income, declined slightly. However, the surplus in the goods account rose even more strongly.
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German general government debt up in 2024 by €57 billion to €2.7 trillion, debt ratio down from 62.9% to 62.5%
General government debt in Germany increased by €57 billion in 2024 to €2.69 trillion. Central government debt grew the most, by €36 billion. State and local governments recorded an increase of €15 billion and €14 billion, respectively.
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German balance of payments in January 2025
Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €11.8 billion in January 2025, down €9.1 billion on the previous month’s level. This was attributable to a lower surplus in the goods account and especially in invisible current transactions, which comprises services as well as primary and secondary income.
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National Cash Forum advocates binding statutory rounding rule for cash payments
By way of majority, the National Cash Forum advocates rounding up or down to the nearest 5 euro cent for cash payments in Germany. The Federal Ministry of Finance is called upon to advocate for, and press ahead with, a binding statutory rounding rule in Germany. The rounding rule should be applied across Europe as uniformly as possible.
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Bundesbank proposes debt brake reform for sound public finances and increased investment
The Bundesbank is expanding its reform proposals for central government’s debt brake, laying out a stability-oriented path towards increased government investment. It is thus presenting a concept that supports the necessary measures to strengthen infrastructure and defence whilst ensuring sustainable public finances over the long term, in line with European rules.
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Monetary policy measures shape the Bundesbank’s balance sheet Peak annual burdens are behind us
As in 2023, the monetary policy measures of the past few years shaped the Bundesbank’s annual accounts in the 2024 financial year. For the reporting year, it has recorded an accumulated loss of €19.2 billion.
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Volume of counterfeits in Germany up again Total loss arising from counterfeits down
In 2024, the Bundesbank registered approximately 72,400 counterfeit euro banknotes with a nominal value of €4.5 million in German payments. The number of counterfeits was thus up by 28% on the year.