It is often said that industry in oil-importing countries is especially hard hit when oil prices climb. However, a new study reveals that the manufacturing sector actually often does well during episodes of elevated oil prices. This is because, from a global perspective, that particular sector is a driving force behind oil price movements. The manufacturing sector’s healthy performance thus bolsters the economy of oil-importing countries in times of rising oil prices. Conversely, industry often exerts negative effects when oil prices fall.

The March 2020 Monthly Report analyses Germany’s balance of payments for 2019 and outlines the statistical data on households’ digital purchases that are contained in the balance of payments. It also includes an article on the challenges ahead posed by new reference interest rates using the implementation of the €STR in the euro area as an example.

The July 2017 edition of the Monthly Report describes the market for bonds issued by non-financial corporations in the low-interest-rate environment and developments in government interest expenditure in Germany and other euro area countries. It also contains articles on private interest income developments, taking into account inflation and taxes, as well as on the threats to the global economy posed by protectionist tendencies. Finally, the report also introduces the latest innovations in the monetary financial institutions’ (MFI) interest rate statistics.