Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors
This dataset tracks federal debt held by foreign and international investors over time.
Latest Value
9049.50
Year-over-Year Change
19.00%
Date Range
1/1/1970 - 1/1/2025
Summary
The Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors trend measures the amount of U.S. government debt owned by entities outside the United States. This metric is a key indicator of foreign demand for U.S. Treasuries and the role of international investors in financing the federal government.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors represents the portion of the national debt that is owned by foreign governments, central banks, and other international institutions. This statistic is closely watched by economists and policymakers as it reflects global confidence in the creditworthiness of the United States.
Methodology
The data is compiled by the U.S. Treasury Department based on financial reporting from major custodians and data providers.
Historical Context
Changes in this metric can have significant implications for interest rates, exchange rates, and the broader dynamics of global capital flows.
Key Facts
- The U.S. government owes over $7 trillion to foreign and international entities.
- China is the largest foreign holder of U.S. debt, accounting for over $1 trillion.
- Foreign investors hold around 30% of total U.S. public debt.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors measures the amount of U.S. government debt owned by entities outside the United States, including foreign governments, central banks, and other international institutions.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric is a key indicator of global confidence in U.S. creditworthiness and the role of international investors in financing the federal government, with significant implications for interest rates, exchange rates, and capital flows.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is compiled by the U.S. Treasury Department based on financial reporting from major custodians and data providers.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Economists and policymakers closely monitor changes in the Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors as it reflects the global demand for U.S. Treasuries and can inform decisions on monetary policy, exchange rate management, and fiscal policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly with a lag of several weeks, and may be subject to revisions as new information becomes available.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Federal Debt Held by Foreign and International Investors (FDHBFIN), retrieved from FRED.