June 27, 2018

The U.S. net international investment position decreased to −$7,888.1 billion (preliminary) at the end of the first quarter of 2018 from −$7,725.0 billion (revised) at the end of the fourth quarter of 2017. The $163.1 billion decrease reflected net financial transactions of –$164.8 billion and net other changes in position, such as price and exchange-rate changes, of $1.7 billion.

  • The net investment position decreased 2.1 percent in the first quarter, compared with a decrease of 1.3 percent in the fourth quarter. The net investment position decreased an average of 4.7 percent from the first quarter of 2011 through the third quarter of 2017.
  • U.S. assets decreased $182.8 billion to $27,616.3 billion, mostly reflecting a decrease in direct investment assets that was partly offset by an increase in portfolio investment assets.
  • U.S. liabilities decreased $19.7 billion to $35,504.4 billion, reflecting decreases in direct investment, financial derivatives, and portfolio investment liabilities.

For more information, read the full report.