In addition to the regularly recurring questions on enterprise metrics, expectations and access to loans, the Bundesbank frequently asks enterprises questions on various current issues. A selection of the results is presented here.

Increased expenditure on energy and fuels anticipated

From March onwards, the share of firms anticipating an increase in expenditure initially rose significantly (March: 74%, February: 53%). Over the course of Q2, this share declined again, amounting to 62% in June. However, the quarterly average, at 72%, was high in a longer-term comparison: a higher value was last recorded in Q4 2022.

Expected change in sales prices

Firms are regularly asked about expected changes in their own sales prices over the next 12 months. In the first quarter of 2026, their mean expectations increased from 3.8 % (Q4 2025) to 4.2 %. This development was driven, in particular, by expectations increasing throughout March. 

Pricing strategies 

In the first quarter of 2026, firms were asked what strategies they use or plan to use in the future when setting their sales prices. Personalised pricing is by far the most frequently used strategy; this is when prices are adjusted to individual customer characteristics, e.g. through targeted discounts or individualised offers. In second place, 28 % of firms reported using rule or time-based approaches, where prices follow simple, pre-defined rules or vary depending on time of day, day of the week, season or stock levels. Dynamic or automated pricing, which uses algorithms, including artificial intelligence, to adjust prices, is currently the least widespread at 11 %.