TL;DR
The Bundesbank has announced a tender for the issuance of non-interest-bearing federal bonds (Bub). This development signals a new approach to government debt issuance and could impact financial markets. Details about the issuance process and timing are still emerging.
The Bundesbank has launched a tender process for the issuance of unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen des Bundes (Bub), or non-interest-bearing federal bonds. This marks a significant step in Germany’s debt management strategy, involving a new issuance method for these securities. The announcement was made by the Bundesbank on March 2024, and the process is currently underway. You can find more details in the Ausschreibung Tenderverfahren – Unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen Des Bundes.
The Bundesbank’s tender pertains to unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen des Bundes (Bub), a type of zero-coupon government bond that does not pay periodic interest but is issued at a discount to face value. The tender aims to determine the volume and terms of upcoming issuances, with details on the specific amounts and maturities expected to be disclosed in the coming days. For recent government bond issuance updates, see the Ankündigung Tenderverfahren – Aufstockung Von Zwei Anleihen Des Bundes.
According to the Bundesbank, this issuance approach is part of broader efforts to diversify Germany’s debt instruments and improve market efficiency. The tender process involves a competitive bidding system, where financial institutions and investors can submit offers for the securities.
It is not yet clear how this issuance will be structured in terms of pricing, maturities, or the total volume targeted. The Bundesbank has emphasized that the process aligns with European Union regulations and aims to enhance transparency and market stability. Interested investors can stay updated through the Ankündigung Tenderverfahren – Neue 10-jährige Anleihe des Bundes.
Implications for Germany’s Debt Management Strategy
This tender reflects a shift in Germany’s approach to government debt issuance, introducing zero-coupon bonds as a regular instrument. It could influence the structure of future debt, impact yields, and affect investor behavior in the German bond market. The move also signals a potential increase in the use of non-interest-bearing securities as part of broader fiscal strategies.
Market analysts suggest that this development may lead to increased demand for government securities in the form of discounts, potentially affecting long-term interest rates and the liquidity of related markets. It also demonstrates the Bundesbank’s ongoing efforts to modernize and diversify debt issuance mechanisms.

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Germany’s Evolving Debt Instruments and Market Trends
Germany has traditionally relied on interest-bearing bonds for its financing needs. The introduction of unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen aligns with similar practices in other European countries, where non-interest-bearing securities are used for specific fiscal or monetary objectives.
In recent years, there has been a trend toward diversifying debt instruments, including inflation-linked bonds and short-term debt products. The Bundesbank’s announcement indicates a continued evolution, with a focus on market efficiency and fiscal flexibility.
Prior to this, Germany’s debt issuance was primarily conducted through auctions of interest-bearing bonds, with the Bundesbank playing a central role in the process. The move toward zero-coupon bonds is seen as part of broader efforts to adapt to changing market conditions and investor preferences.
“The tender process for unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen des Bundes aims to enhance the diversity and efficiency of Germany’s debt instruments.”
— Bundesbank spokesperson
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Details on Volume, Maturity, and Pricing Still Unclear
As of now, the Bundesbank has not disclosed specific details regarding the volume, maturities, or pricing of the upcoming bond issuance. It remains uncertain how these parameters will be set and how the market will respond initially.
Further information is expected in the official tender documentation, which has not yet been released.
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Next Steps: Release of Tender Details and Market Response
The Bundesbank is expected to publish detailed terms of the tender, including the volume, maturities, and bidding process, in the coming days. Market participants will closely monitor these details to assess the potential impact on yields and liquidity.
Subsequently, the first issuance under this new process is anticipated, which will provide clearer insights into how the market absorbs these securities and how the Bundesbank manages the issuance strategy moving forward.
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Key Questions
What are unverzinsliche Schatzanweisungen des Bundes (Bub)?
They are zero-coupon government bonds issued at a discount, which do not pay periodic interest but mature at face value.
Why is the Bundesbank issuing these bonds now?
The move aims to diversify Germany’s debt instruments, improve market efficiency, and adapt to evolving fiscal and monetary needs.
How will the tender process work?
It involves a competitive bidding system where financial institutions and investors submit offers for the securities, with details to be announced soon.
Will this affect interest rates or yields?
Potentially, as the introduction of zero-coupon bonds could influence demand and yields, but the exact impact remains to be seen after the first issuance.
When will the first bonds be issued?
The Bundesbank has not specified an exact date yet, but expects to release details shortly and conduct the first issuance soon after.
Source: primary