Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann expects Brexit to place a strain on Germany's economy. It is in the interests of both parties, he says, for the EU and the United Kingdom to quickly enter into level-headed negotiations on their future relationship.

According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office, in the first quarter of 2017 the German economy grew by 0.6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. Based on provisional calculations, positive contributions came from both domestic and foreign demand.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are becoming increasingly important as a cost-effective option for investors, albeit one which comes with its own specific risks attached, as the Bundesbank explains. According to the current issue of the Monthly Report, the risks for the financial system as a whole stemming from ETFs are currently limited, however. 

Robust economic growth in Germany is set to continue, the Bundesbank’s experts write in the current Monthly Report, as indicated by the favourable order situation in industry and construction as well as the positive sentiment in the German economy and among households.