Accurate, Focused Research on Law, Technology and Knowledge Discovery Since 2002

You Are Here: Home » Government Documents » Foreign Ownership of U.S. Financial Assets: Implications of a Withdrawal

Foreign Ownership of U.S. Financial Assets: Implications of a Withdrawal

by on

CRS – Foreign Ownership of U.S. Financial Assets: Implications of a Withdrawal. James K. Jackson, Specialist in International Trade and Finance. April 8, 2013

  • This report provides an overview of the role foreign investment plays in the U.S. economy and an assessment of possible actions a foreign investor or a group of foreign investors might choose to take to liquidate their investments in the United States. Concerns over the potential impact of disinvestment have grown as national governments have become more active investors in the U.S. economy and as innovation in creating financial instruments has increased volatility in financial markets. Such concerns seem out of step with the experience of the 2008-2009 financial crisis, during which the dollar became the preferred safe haven investment for foreign investors. If some foreign investors were to liquidate their holdings, these actions could affect the U.S. economy in a number of ways due to the role foreign investment plays in the United States and due to the current mix of economic policies the United States has chosen. The impact of any such action on the economy would also depend on the overall condition and performance of the economy and the financial markets. If the economy were experiencing a strong rate of economic growth, the impact of a foreign withdrawal likely would be minimal, especially given the dynamic nature of credit markets. If a withdrawal occurred when the economy was not experiencing a robust rate of growth or if credit financial markets were under duress, the withdrawal could have a stronger effect on economic activity.”
  • Related postings on the financial system
    • LinkedIn

    Sorry, comments are closed for this post.