Five charts to start your day

The macro environment seems to be hotting up once again, with a slew of fasinating data.

Germany's heavy reliance on Chinese imports, which constitute essential materials for nearly 29% of its companies, puts its economy at risk, warns the Bundesbank. Meanwhile, the US grapples with national debt that exceeds $31 trillion, largely due to heavy spending during the pandemic. In the energy sector, OPEC's supply reductions have spurred a significant surge in oil prices, with experts predicting it could soon reach $100 per barrel.

So it should be no surprise that these were the graphs I studied. Coming up:

1. Germany imports more from China than any other country

2. US debt held by the public as a share of GDP

3. Oil prices could smash through $100 a barrel

4. US 30-year mortgage rates are now higher than they were in 2007

5. Where do European bicycles come from?

As always the first chart is free. If you would like to look at the others, consider becoming a paid subscriber. It costs less than two cups of coffee for a whole month of access.

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1. Germany imports more from China than any other country

Source:

Source: The Financial Times, https://www.ft.com/content/4b7ad09a-b05c-4651-b6ff-43a448a9bd76

Germany's central bank, the Bundesbank, believes that the nation's economy is at risk, due to its heavy reliance on trade with China.

Nearly 29% of German companies are importing crucial materials and components from China. The country’s central bank believes geopolitical tensions could significantly disrupt this trade channel and hurt the German economy.