For the first time in around 29 years, inflation in Germany is back above the five percent mark. This means that the decline in values has been increasing for months. How do you protect yourself from rising inflation?
Inflation rises and rises – and with it the fear of losing money for many. There are definitely ways to protect yourself from increasing depreciation. “In principle, investments in tangible assets (such as stocks, equity funds, real estate) are suitable as a means of countering inflation,” writes the consumer advice center in Baden-Württemberg.
Stiftung Warentest formulates: “The best protection against inflation is a broad-based portfolio with global equity funds.” The consumer advice center Baden-Württemberg also advises “a wide spread over different product classes and maturities” when investing, even if such an investment is not a ” Comprehensive insurance against monetary devaluation “is.
If costs rise, companies can pass these on to their customers in the form of higher prices. That means profit for investors. However, if interest rates rise because of market inflation, this can slow the economy – and ultimately business opportunities too.
Daily or fixed deposit accounts “important as a security module”
If you pay your savings into overnight or fixed-term accounts, the bottom line is that you have to accept a decline in value because you don’t get any interest on your assets. The first banks are even charging negative interest rates. Nevertheless, according to Stiftung Warentest, the system on a bank account is important as a security component.
Gold as protection against inflation – Bitcoin with risks
In addition to investing in stocks, equity funds or ETFs, investing in tangible assets can be worthwhile. Gold is seen as protection against inflation. The gold price is determined on the world market and is independent of the inflation worries in Germany. But here you have to know: the price of gold also fluctuates considerably. In addition, there is no interest or dividends. Instead, you only make a profit when the price of the precious metal rises. The same goes for silver and platinum.
The crypto currency Bitcoin, on the other hand, is not a real asset – its value fluctuates extremely and is also not related to inflation. Profit as well as risk and thus loss can be great. Real estate sometimes provides better protection against inflation, but it is often quite expensive.
Is a Riester pension worth it?
An alternative can be a Riester pension. It can be worthwhile if you have children and actually receive the appropriate allowances. In addition, a high tax burden can be reduced through the contributions to the Riester pension. Investors should, however, take a close look at which product they are entering into. Because the acquisition costs for a pension insurance can be high. The consumer advice center Baden-Württemberg warns: “The promotion must by no means be the only reason for the conclusion, what is important is that the product fits the investor.”
Inflation mainly affects energy prices
Most recently, the strongest price increase since 1992 was measured. According to preliminary information from the Federal Statistical Office, consumer prices rose by 5.2 percent compared to the same month last year. Energy prices are particularly expensive. Household energy costs increased by 22.1 percent within one year. The main reasons for the price increase are the withdrawal of the temporary VAT reduction and the introduction of the CO2 tax at the beginning of 2021. The strong inflation is not only a German phenomenon for a long time. In the USA, for example, inflation was recently over six percent, in Turkey even at 21.3 percent.
Sources:,,, with material from dpa
Source From: Stern

Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.