According to data just released by the BEA on the "U.S. Net International Investment Position at Yearend 2007," foreign-owned assets in the United States increased $3,474 billion in 2007 to $20,081 billion (see top chart above), representing the largest-ever annual dollar increase, and the largest percentage increase in 20 years (see bottom chart above) for foreign investment in the U.S.

From the highlights:



Foreign private holdings of U.S. securities (other than U.S. Treasury securities) increased $760 billion to $6.1 trillion. Foreign holdings of U.S. bonds increased to $3.3 trillion mostly as a result of net foreign purchases, and foreign holdings of U.S. stocks increased to $2.8 trillion as a result of both net foreign purchases and price appreciation.

The stock of foreign direct investment in the United States increased $271 billion to $2.42 trillion.



