Top Foreign Holders of U.S. Treasuries

Below is an extract of the latest data from the U.S. Treasury concerning foreign holders of U.S. Treasuries (year-to-date through the end of August). At least for now, the fear of foreigners dumping Treasuries can be allayed, although it is clear there is some month-month volatility from a key buyer (see the figures for Mainland China). Also, notice how the UK and Hong Kong have significantly stepped up purchases YTD. When I last published an extract of the data in January 2008, Japan was the largest holder at $586.9B, followed by Mainland China at $492.6B, and the UK at $160B.

click to enlarge

Comments

[logicalthought:]

I feel sorry for those guys.

Oct 18 05:36 PM

[snakyjake:]

I didn't know Hong Kong was a separate country from China.

Oct 21 01:33 PM

[kiers:]

little surprised by UK of all places. what is their need to hold Treasuries? also surprised by caribbean banking centers & Luxembourg!! must represent illicit US money held abroad in Carib/Luxembourg. heh heh.

Oct 21 01:51 PM