And you were also quick to put the profitability of German financial institutions in the face of the persistent low-interest-rate environment on the agenda. The low-interest-rate survey initiated by the Bundesbank and then conducted in partnership with Bafin now sheds light, every two years, on how smaller and medium-sized banks, with their relatively interest-focused business models, are coping with the low interest rates.
Looking at worksites in the manufacturing industry, various continued efforts and attempts have involved putting aside the usual rivalries; for example, firms in the same industry temporarily covering the production of disaster-stricken firms and several manufacturers of final products cooperating in terms of sending staff to parts manufacturers to support their restoration efforts.