Memorandum Items: Custody Holdings: Marketable U.S. Treasury Securities: Week Average
WMTSEC1 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
2,889,153.00
Year-over-Year Change
-0.81%
Date Range
6/7/2006 - 7/30/2025
Summary
This economic indicator tracks the weekly average of U.S. Treasury securities held in custody by the Federal Reserve for foreign and international monetary authorities. It provides critical insights into global investment patterns and international confidence in U.S. government debt.
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 custody holdings metric reflects foreign central banks' and international institutions' investment in U.S. Treasury securities, serving as a key barometer of international financial sentiment. Economists closely monitor these holdings as they indicate global economic stability and potential shifts in international monetary strategies.
Methodology
Data is collected weekly by the Federal Reserve through direct reporting from custodial institutions holding Treasury securities on behalf of foreign entities.
Historical Context
This trend is used by policymakers and investors to assess international capital flows, monetary policy implications, and global economic interconnectedness.
Key Facts
- Represents weekly average of foreign-held U.S. Treasury securities
- Indicates international confidence in U.S. government debt
- Provides insights into global capital movement patterns
FAQs
Q: What do custody holdings indicate about the U.S. economy?
A: Custody holdings reflect international investor confidence in U.S. Treasury securities and can signal broader economic perceptions about U.S. financial stability.
Q: Who typically holds these Treasury securities?
A: Foreign central banks, international monetary authorities, and global financial institutions are the primary holders of these custody securities.
Q: How frequently is this data updated?
A: The data is collected and reported on a weekly basis by the Federal Reserve, providing near-real-time insights into international Treasury holdings.
Q: Why do international entities invest in U.S. Treasury securities?
A: U.S. Treasury securities are considered low-risk investments that offer stable returns and are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
Q: What limitations exist in interpreting this data?
A: While informative, custody holdings represent a snapshot and should be analyzed alongside other economic indicators for comprehensive understanding.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Memorandum Items: Custody Holdings: Marketable U.S. Treasury Securities: Week Average [WMTSEC1], retrieved from FRED.
Last Checked: 8/1/2025