Overview
- Verivox data show inflation at 2.4% has pushed average real returns negative, with Tagesgeld at about 1.28% nominal translating to roughly minus 1.12% in real terms and one- to five‑year Festgeld also below zero after inflation.
- Surveys report a strong tilt to safety: 36% favor Tagesgeld and 19% Festgeld while only 28% invest in securities, t‑online cites a roughly 20% national saving rate and about €270 saved per person monthly, and XTB finds 30% still prefer the savings book.
- Consorsbank calculates that €100 monthly invested since 2015 would exceed €19,000 in a DAX plan or nearly €25,000 in an MSCI World tracker versus roughly €200 on a savings book, as XTB estimates €33 billion in real wealth losses so far in 2025, potentially €40 billion by year‑end.
- Consumer advocates warn that headline deposit rates often carry caps, time limits and conditions, citing offers such as Consorsbank’s 3.10% for three months tied to a brokerage account before dropping to 0.80% and similar promotional terms at Umweltbank, BBVA, Norisbank and Bank of Scotland.
- Banks observe World Savings Day unevenly, with some replacing one‑day events with longer campaigns, while Austrian research notes €34 billion saved last year and 38% equity participation as calls grow for stronger financial education.