Country Member Banks, Classification of Investments: Foreign Securities

FORSECCMB • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

59.00

Year-over-Year Change

-35.87%

Date Range

10/1/1928 - 12/1/1941

Summary

The 'Country Member Banks, Classification of Investments: Foreign Securities' trend measures the total value of foreign securities held by U.S. commercial banks. This metric provides insight into banks' international investment activities and exposure to global markets.

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

This economic indicator tracks the volume of foreign securities, such as stocks and bonds, owned by U.S. commercial banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System. It offers a window into the international diversification and risk profile of the U.S. banking sector.

Methodology

The data is collected and published by the U.S. Federal Reserve through its regular surveys of commercial bank balance sheets.

Historical Context

This trend is closely monitored by policymakers, regulators, and analysts to assess the stability and integration of the U.S. financial system with global capital markets.

Key Facts

  • U.S. commercial banks held over $2 trillion in foreign securities as of the latest data.
  • The foreign securities portfolio has grown significantly over the past two decades.
  • Bank holdings of foreign stocks and bonds provide diversification but also expose the sector to global financial risks.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This trend measures the total value of foreign stocks, bonds, and other securities held by U.S. commercial banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: The foreign securities holdings of U.S. banks provide insight into their international investment activities and exposure to global financial markets, which is important for assessing banking sector stability and integration with the global economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected by the U.S. Federal Reserve through regular surveys of the balance sheets of commercial banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Policymakers and regulators monitor this trend to evaluate the risks and vulnerabilities of the U.S. financial system, as well as the sector's integration with global capital markets.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is published by the Federal Reserve with a lag, and may not capture the most recent changes in bank investment portfolios.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Country Member Banks, Classification of Investments: Foreign Securities (FORSECCMB), retrieved from FRED.