German economic output declined in the third quarter of 2018 for the first time in three and a half years. “This decline is primarily due to a drop in output in the automotive sector,” explained Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann at an event in Berlin.

Times of strong growth and low interest rates have seen vulnerabilities build up in the German financial system. In addition, the probability of an economic downturn has increased. “Now is the time to build up sufficient capital and strengthen the financial system’s defences,” said Bundesbank Vice-President Claudia Buch at the press conference on the publication of the new Financial Stability Review.

What role do central banks play in combatting climate change? This question was at the focus of a two-day academic conference hosted by the Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System and the Council on Economic Policies at the Bundesbank in Berlin.

Although the economic upswing in Germany is essentially still intact, it may have come to a temporary halt in the third quarter of 2018. According to the Bundesbank’s latest Monthly Report, this was mainly due to a substantial fall in production by car manufacturers.

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. 

Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann has spoken out in favour of strengthening the forces of growth and boosting productivity in Europe. However, it is up to economic policymakers to make this happen, he said during a speech in Berlin.

How can I spot counterfeit money? How did Germany’s gold reserves come into being? Interesting expert lectures, contests with wonderful prizes on offer and activities for children: the Bundesbank’s stand at the Frankfurt Book Fair had much to offer to visitors.

Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann does not believe that the uncertainty generated by trade disputes has thus far had any lasting impact on the global economy. Speaking on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund in Bali, he said that the slight slowdown in growth, especially that observed in European countries, is probably due to the normalisation of expansion rather than a consequence of the trade conflict.

The international Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) has published its first progress report to coincide with the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

The Bundesbank's TARGET2 balance has again increased considerably since the beginning of 2015 and currently amounts to around €950 billion. This development is first and foremost linked to the extensive asset purchases by the Eurosystem central banks