Global central bank rates (Brazil 8.75%, South Africa 7.0%, Mexico 4.5%, Australia 3.25%, New Zealand 2.5%, ECB 1.0%, UK 0.5%, USA 0.25%, Canada 0.25%, Switzerland 0.25%, Japan 0.11%) as of October 16, 2009. See chart image below. [Source: Bloomberg; Central Bank web sites]
Below is an extract of the latest data from the U.S. Treasury concerning foreign holders of U.S. Treasuries (year-to-date through the end of August). At least for now, the fear of foreigners dumping Treasuries can be allayed, although it is clear there is some month-month volatility from a key buyer (see the figures for Mainland China). Also, notice how the UK and Hong Kong have significantly stepped up purchases YTD. When I last published an extract of the data in January 2008, Japan was the largest holder at $586.9B, followed by Mainland China at $492.6B, and the UK at $160B.
Click table image to expand size.
Global central bank rates (Brazil, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, UK, ECB, Canada, Switzerland, USA, Japan) as of March 21, 2008. continue reading…
Top foreign holders of U.S. Treasuries as of January 2008. Table (and chart) below shows respective % of total and y-o-y changes. continue reading…
