The European Central Bank reported total assets and liabilities of EUR 5.913 trillion as of Aug. 21, down EUR 14.267 billion from the previous week due to transactions. The asset decline was driven mainly by a EUR 15.397 billion reduction in securities held for monetary policy purposes and a EUR 3.279 billion fall in other claims on euro area credit institutions. On the liabilities side, balances related to monetary policy operations fell EUR 11.678 billion, including a EUR 10.306 billion decline in credit institutions’ current accounts and a EUR 1.372 billion reduction in the deposit facility. Banknotes in circulation decreased EUR 3.334 billion, while other liabilities rose EUR 4.314 billion.