Macroeconomics Department Publications

Die Finanztransaktionssteuer kann Krisen vorbeugen: Fünf Fragen an Dorothea Schäfer

Finanztransaktionssteuer: kurzfristigen Handel verteuern, Finanzmärkte stabilisieren

Eine Finanztransaktionssteuer kann neben der Finanzmarktregulierung das zentrale Instrument sein, um die Finanzmärkte in Zukunft wieder robuster zu machen. Wenn sie breit angelegt ist, zielt sie auf die Eindämmung von Regulierungsarbitrage, Blitzhandel, überaktivem Portfolio-Management und exzessiven Hebel- und Spekulationsgeschäften und setzt somit auch bei jener Klasse von Aktivitäten an, die mit ...

Verunsicherung und hohe Schulden bremsen Wachstum

Nachdem die deutsche Wirtschaft 2011 noch um drei Prozent gewachsen ist, sind die Aussichten für 2012 durch die Krise im Euroraum überschattet. Dadurch wird der kräftige Aufschwung unterbrochen, obwohl die Kapazitäten bis zuletzt nicht voll ausgelastet waren. Vorübergehend wird die deutsche Wirtschaft sogar leicht schrumpfen. Für 2012 ist daher nur mit einer Wachstumsrate von 0,6 Prozent zu rechnen. ...

An Underestimated Policy Lever: The ECB’s Collateral Policy Supports Financial Markets and Reduces Uncertainty

A central bank’s collateral policy determines which assets banks may use as collateral for refinancing operations. Thus, it is a critical tool for providing the banking system with liquidity while simultaneously stabilizing it. Using a high-frequency identification approach, this study examines how the European Central Bank’s collateral policy influences banks, financial markets, and government bond ...

Energy Price Shock Slows German Economy - Global Growth Remains Moderate

The German economy is failing to gain momentum after three weak years. At the turn of the year, a modest recovery appeared to be taking hold, driven primarily by domestic demand and private consumption. However, in addition to the structural problems already present, the German economy must now also contend with the consequences of the Iran War. The energy price shock has halted the recovery before ...

Municipal Investment: Potential and Limitations of the Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality

Municipalities play a key role in providing public services, but despite rising gross investment, there is a significant erosion of assets: real investment growth remains insufficient and net investment continues to be negative. The Special Fund for Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality (SVIK) can help strengthen local government investment activity and reduce regional disparities. Based on a scenario ...

German Economy on the Upswing - Global Economy Continues to Grow Moderately

After three years of subdued economic activity, the German economy is on the road to recovery. While the Iran war and erratic U.S. trade policy are weighing on growth, their impact is only moderate. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that U.S. tariffs are unlawful, this does not change the tariff rates imposed on German exports, as the agreement with the European Union is assumed to remain in ...

Construction Industry Returns to Growth

Following five years of crisis, construction output will grow in real terms again in 2026, increasing by 1.7 percent. Next year, growth could reach nearly 3.5 percent. Public construction is driving this recovery. Real public construction volume is expected to grow by 6.7 percent in both 2026 and 2027. The reason for this strong expansion is the gradual increase in spending from the Special Fund for ...

The Era of Ever-Larger Dwellings in Germany Is Coming to an End

Over the past 150 years, living space consumption has increased significantly—in Germany from less than half a room to almost two rooms per capita. The average living space per person more than doubled between 1956 and 2024, reaching 49.2 square meters. Rising incomes enabled the construction of ever larger dwellings which led to improved living conditions. Today, the majority of people live in spacious ...

Real Estate Market Remains Tense – Rents and Apartment Prices Are Rising

After two years of significant price declines, the German real, estate market is showing signs of slight stabilization. Once, again, building plots and single-family homes have become, slightly cheaper – nominally by one percent compared to, 2024. In 2024, the declines were four and seven percent, respectively. Prices for row houses and apartments, on the other hand, rose slightly by 0.5 percent. Price ...