The German financial system has weathered the exceptionally strong rise in interest rates well overall and has proved stable over the past months, the Bundesbank writes in its Financial Stability Review 2024. Credit risk is now increasingly coming under the spotlight, however. The financial system is facing acute challenges due to geopolitical tensions and a weak economy. The economy is also undergoing transformation, said Bundesbank Executive Board member Michael Theurer. Our top priority must be a resilient financial system.

Germany’s automotive sector is currently undergoing a process of profound transformation, the Bundesbank explains in its latest Monthly Report. The transition to e-mobility poses major challenges for German manufacturers of motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts, it writes. In addition, the international environment is less favourable, with sluggish growth in the global automotive market and rising competitive pressure from China.

German economic output rose unexpectedly in the third quarter of 2024, according to the Monthly Report. However, none of the key demand components currently give any cause to expect a marked recovery in the short term. “The industrial sector is faced with a difficult environment and is under high pressure to adapt,” the economists write. In addition, the labour market is becoming increasingly gloomy owing to the protracted bout of economic weakness.

We could be on the verge of a global economic turning point, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel said in an interview with the weekly newspaper “Die Zeit”. In this situation, we need more Europe, not less. Trump’s proposed trade tariffs could prove very painful for Germany. Should they be implemented, he said, we might even see negative economic growth next year. Mr Nagel considers European monetary policy to be on the right track.

The first of November saw Uwe Nebgen take over as President of the Regional Office in Hamburg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein from Arno Bäcker, who held that post for eight years. Speaking at the official change of office ceremony, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel paid tribute to Arno Bäcker’s achievements with the Bank and wished his successor every success in his new position.

On 4 November 2024, the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) celebrates its 10th anniversary: since its inception on 4 November 2014, the largest and most significant banks in the euro area have come under the direct supervision of the European Central Bank (ECB) as part of the SSM. Its aim is to promote financial stability and minimise risk. Joint Supervisory Teams and standardised rulebooks help to harmonise banking supervision and strengthen trust in the European banking system.

Welcome! Fritzi Köhler-Geib joined the Bundesbank’s Executive Board as a new member on 1 November. She has received her certificate of appointment from Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel. 

At an event held in honour of former Bundesbank President Karl Otto Pöhl, incumbent President Joachim Nagel spoke about strengthening the foundation of the euro so that stable prices can be ensured even in turbulent times. He emphasised the importance of sound public finances, integrated markets and public confidence in central banks.

The European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), which oversees the European Union’s financial system with the objective of preventing systemic risk, has elected Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel to serve on its Steering Committee for the next three years.

According to the current issue of the Bundesbank’s Monthly Report, real gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to have contracted again somewhat in the third quarter of 2024. Output in the industrial sector and in construction is expected to have declined markedly. Despite favourable conditions, private consumption probably likewise provided only little impetus.