The blog offers insights into recent developments and trends in data related to the euro area economy, the financial world and beyond. Posts are authored by our data experts and economists and are based on ECB data and analysis.
Our structural financial indicators show that 42% of bank offices in the euro area closed between 2008 and 2022. Almost all euro area countries saw a decline in the number of bank offices. The number of bank employees also fell significantly.
The changing landscape of bank offices in the euro area
The numbers of bank offices and employees have significantly declined since 2008, with variations across countries. Our structural financial indicators reveal these trends and offer additional insights.
ENGLISH
20 November 2023
Shedding further light on EU public debt
New dataset breakdowns provide more granular information on government loans, currency and deposits. These liabilities, which come on top of bonds and other securities, amount to roughly 16% of euro area GDP.
ENGLISH
16 November 2023
Contactless payments in the euro area
The ECB monitors developments in the euro area payments market. By analysing payments statistics, the ECB also identifies the latest trends, such as the growing use of contactless card payments.
ENGLISH
26 September 2023
Comparing bank interest rates across countries
Countries offer different interest rates for housing loans, contributing to inaccuracy when comparing interest rates for the same type of loan. To better reflect the market reality, the ECB devised cost of borrowing indicators.
ENGLISH
16 August 2023
Rebound in short-term debt securities issuance
Issuers of debt securities in the euro area have recently adjusted their financing choices in favour of securities with shorter maturities.
ENGLISH
5 July 2023
Economic conditions of euro area households
A sound understanding of the economic conditions of euro area households is an essential input in the ECB’s monetary policy decisions. From a macroeconomic perspective, the “Household sector report” contains a wealth of information for both euro area countries and all other EU members.
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