Germany's net external position stood at €1,204 billion at the end of 2013, and thus amounted to almost 43% of gross domestic product. The German net external asset position rose by €251 billion year-on-year. This increase primarily reflects Germany's current account surplus last year. Unlike in previous years, the increase occurred against the backdrop of declining gross amounts outstanding.

Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann has warned against government intervention in the market economy becoming the norm after the coronavirus pandemic,  although it was important for the government to intervene strongly in the crisis. “But this must not become a normal state of affairs. I do not believe that governments know best when it comes to running a business,” he said in an interview with the “Augsburger Allgemeine” newspaper.

As at end-June 2015, the financial assets of households amounted to €5,224 billion, after rising only very moderately in the second quarter, by just over €5 billion, or 0.1%.