But due to its integration in the European System of Central Banks, the Bank has been given an explicit responsibility in this field and the Belgian law has recently entrusted the Bank with the surveillance (or “oversight”) of payment systems and securities clearing systems.
With corporate profits having stayed at favorable levels on the whole, albeit with some weakness observed in part, business fixed investment has continued on an increasing trend. Private consumption also has been increasing moderately, albeit with fluctuations, against the background of steady improvement in the employment and income situation.