Using a simple format and plain language, the Banco de España Blog seeks to make our work more accessible to the general public. It allows us to share our analysis of economic and financial issues and the ins and outs of the Banco de España’s tasks and activities with all those keen to learn more.
The Blog series group together posts covering certain similar topics. Further down is a general listing of all Blog posts, with a search function to help readers find the posts they are interested in.
05/03/2026
The differences between men and women in financial literacy do not depend solely on whether their replies to a survey are right or wrong. Women tend to respond “I don’t know” more frequently. This option, which helps to explain the gender gap in literacy, is also linked to specific financial behaviours and settings.
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19/02/2024
Researcher access to public institutions’ micro data: a win-win scenario
Four years ago, the Banco de España opened its data laboratory BELab, to provide the research community with access to a wealth of micro data. We are now taking the next step to make a much broader range of data available to researchers through an ambitious agreement with other Spanish public institutions.
31/01/2024
What does the Banco de España’s bottleneck index tell us about the economic impact of the tensions in the Red Sea? Series: Focus. Research Videoblog
The Red Sea crisis is driving up global shipping costs. However, our bottleneck indicator suggests that, for the time being, the economic impact is limited compared with other previous episodes. In any event, developments must be closely monitored. Our daily bottleneck indicator enables us to track the situation in real time.
22/01/2024
A treasure in the Library: the manuscript of Cantillon’s Essai, the first modern economic treatise Series: Treasures of the Banco de España
The Banco de España’s Library houses a late 18th-century manuscript of the first known Spanish translation of Richard Cantillon’s Essai sur la nature du commerce en général. This work is considered to be the cradle of modern economics.
20/12/2023
Suptech: how innovative technology helps us supervise banks
The Banco de España seeks to promote innovative technology. Incorporating suptech into supervisory activity is a top priority. One of the pillars of our strategy is to capitalise on our rich data sources using tools like artificial intelligence (AI).
12/12/2023
Is reducing carbon emissions compatible with economic growth?
Squaring lower carbon emissions with growth requires energy efficiency to be improved and energy to be “decarbonised”. Headway on these fronts since the early 21st century has helped reduce emissions in Spain and Europe, but we must go much further if we are to achieve our climate targets.
27/11/2023
40 years of quality statistics on Spanish firms
The Banco de España’s Central Balance Sheet Data Office was launched in 1983 to create and maintain highly detailed databases on Spanish firms. It has since become a benchmark for statistical information and research on the Spanish business sector thanks to the wealth and quality of its data.
15/11/2023
The banking union: what is it and how does it benefit us?
While incomplete, the banking union is already a reality and a key component of European integration. But what is it? Why does it matter? And how does it benefit us? The Deputy Governor answers these questions and looks at what still needs to be done.
25/10/2023
Which ECB interest rate affects my loan or mortgage?
The European Central Bank sets three key interest rates. We explain which of these three currently affects the cost of our loans and mortgages most directly. Funnily enough, it’s not the one the media focus on most.
19/10/2023
The digital euro: what is it and what’s in it for us
The growing use of electronic means of payment, such as cards and mobile payments, has led the Eurosystem to consider issuing a digital euro to complement cash. Here we explain what a digital euro would be and its advantages if eventually adopted.
11/10/2023
Who (really) foots the tax bill? Series: Focus. Research Videoblog
Taxpayers can sometimes pass at least some of their tax burden on to others. Understanding who really bears the cost is key to improving the Spanish tax system. Encouraging micro data-based research into “tax incidence” would be helpful.
