German banks adjusted their lending policies in the fourth quarter of 2017, chiefly with regard to credit terms and conditions, according to the Eurosystem’s latest Bank Lending Survey (BLS) among banks domiciled in Germany.

At the end of the third quarter of 2016, households' financial assets amounted to €5,478 billion; this figure was up by a considerable €76 billion (or 1.4%) from the second quarter of 2016.

The Deutsche Bundesbank calculates the basic rate of interest pursuant to section 247 (1) of the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch) and publishes its current level in the Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger) pursuant to section 247 (2) of the German Civil Code.

Germany's economy is experiencing a strong upswing. Driven by lively foreign demand, the manufacturing sector is seeing dynamic growth, while the sharp upturn in business investment is continuing. In addition, private consumption and housing investment continue to benefit from the outstanding labour market situation

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) and the Deutsche Bundesbank have welcomed the agreement reached by the oversight body of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision to wrap up the Basel III reform package.

Germany’s economy has been expanding for eight consecutive years now. Enterprises and households alike can borrow cheaply, and market volatility is low. However, there is a danger that low interest rates and the favourable economic conditions in Germany might cause market participants to underestimate risks.