Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann takes a dim view of the new US administration's economic policy signals. Speaking in Mainz, he said the shape and possible repercussions of future economic policy in the United States are sparking fresh uncertainty, calling accusations that Germany is engaged in currency manipulation "more than absurd".

The prevailing low-interest-rate environment is putting pressure on German banks' earnings. According to the assessment published in a new discussion paper, a prolonged period of such low interest rates would result in only 20% of German banks remaining in a position to earn a cost of capital of 8% by the end of the decade.

Since 2012, households and non-financial corporations in some euro-area member states have been making greater efforts to reduce their levels of debt. According to the Bundesbank's January 2017 Monthly Report, this process is not yet fully completed.

Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann says that a uniform set of rules is needed to regulate financial technology start-ups. "It would be wrong for fintechs to base their business models on regulatory loopholes," he said at a conference during Germany's G20 presidency. Federal Finance Minister Dr Wolfgang Schäuble and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands highlighted the opportunities that digitalisation holds in store for developing countries.

The Bundesbank has presented its environmental report for 2015. In this report, the Bank explains what it has achieved to date and how it hopes to reduce its emissions yet further in the future. Last year, it cut its greenhouse gas emissions by just over four per cent in comparison to 2013/2014.

The Deutsche Bundesbank was founded on 1 August 1957. For sixty years it has ensured a stable currency. In 2017, the Bundesbank is commemorating this anniversary with a variety of public events.

The year 2016 saw Germany's economy grow at its fastest rate in five years. Initial Federal Statistical Office calculations indicate that real gross domestic product rose by 1.9% on the year and that consumption was the chief source of growth.

The Bundesbank mourns the passing of its former president, Hans Tietmeyer, who died on 27 December 2016 at the age of 85.

Households' net wealth in the euro area as a whole fell by around 10% between 2010 and 2014 according to a study by the European Central Bank. This contrasts with Germany, where net wealth increased during the same period. Developments in the housing markets were one major reason for this.

The Bundesbank's Money Museum has reopened after a major revamp and enlargement. "We want to impart meaningful information about money, its history and the tasks facing modern central banks," Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann explained at the ceremony marking the relaunch. The Money Museum has been open to the public since 17 December 2016.