German banks tightened their credit standards for loans to enterprises. By contrast, banks eased their credit standards for loans to households for house purchase. They did not see a need to adjust their credit standards for consumer credit and other lending to households.  

After the uncertainty in the first quarter of 2026, financial markets recovered significantly in the second quarter. This caused households’ financial assets to grow markedly. At the end of the quarter, they came to €9,831 billion, €335 billion higher than in the previous quarter. This was mainly due to exceptionally large positive valuation effects of €258 billion. 

Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €10.3 billion in August 2026, down €11.5 billion on the previous month’s level. This was mainly attributable to a smaller goods account surplus. 

The Bundesbank is showcasing its new children’s book about payments at the Frankfurt Book Fair. From 7 to 11 October 2026, families and other visitors to the trade fair can come along to the Bundesbank’s exhibition stand to learn about the story “Geli Geldgespenst – Einkauf in der Krümelstube” and the English-language version, “Mona Moneyghost goes shopping at Crumble Corner”. 

At the end of 2025, Germany’s net external assets totalled €3,661 billion, thus amounting to around 81 % of the country’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP). Overall, both assets and liabilities vis-à-vis non-residents rose further in 2025.

Small and medium-sized banks and savings banks in Germany are robust despite economic challenges, geopolitical uncertainty and burdens in corporate and commercial real estate business. This is borne out by the results of the current stress test of “less significant institutions” (LSIs) presented today by Bafin Chief Executive Director Nikolas Speer and Bundesbank Executive Board member Michael Theurer.

The consultation of the Deutsche Bundesbank's Executive Board pursuant to section 7 (3) of the Bundesbank Act regarding the nomination of Dr Philipp Nimmermann as a member of the Deutsche Bundesbank's Executive Board took place on Tuesday, 15. September 2026.

Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €21.2 billion in July 2026. The result was €2.3 billion up on the level of the previous month. This was mainly due to a larger goods account surplus. By contrast, there was a decrease in the surplus in invisible current transactions, which comprise services as well as primary and secondary income. 

Germany’s current account posted a surplus of €19.0 billion in June 2026, up €10.1 billion on the previous month’s level. This was mainly attributable to the swing to a surplus in invisible current transactions, which comprise services as well as primary and secondary income. There was also a higher surplus in the goods account.