In 2014, non-financial corporations markedly increased their profitability in a predominantly smooth macroeconomic environment, with export markets and the domestic economy both stimulating demand. Following a slump in 2013, pre-tax returns on sales returned to their level of the period from 2010 to 2012 (4¼%).

The United States Congress has ratified the quota and governance reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Bundesbank welcomes this move. "The way is now free for implementing the agreed reforms. This is good news," noted Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann in his capacity as Governor of the Fund for Germany. The quota and governance reform was adopted back in 2010, with Germany ratifying the reform package in 2012.

The German economy is currently following a growth path that is primarily underpinned by domestic demand. Commenting on the Bundesbank's latest semi-annual projection, the Bank's President Jens Weidmann said: "The main drivers are the favourable labour market situation and substantial increases in households' real disposable income, though foreign trade is currently being hampered by frail demand from the emerging market economies." This is making itself felt on industrial investment, the Bundesbank's economists write.

Exceptionally low interest rates remain a salient feature of the financial system setting in Germany. They reflect the global low real economic growth and expansionary monetary policy stance.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Deutsche Bundesbank are jointly organising the Third IMF Statistical Forum on Official Statistics to Support Evidence-based Economic Policymaking. The event will take place in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on 19 and 20 November 2015.