Portfolio investment abroad, 2007

Norway’s portfolio investment abroad increased from NOK 2 721 billion in 2006 to NOK 2 949 billion in 2007, an increase of about 8 percent. The corresponding increase from 2005 to 2006 amounted to 43 percent. The general government sector, unit trusts, “other financial companies” and banks had a small increase in investment abroad, while insurance companies and non-financial companies had a reduction from 2007 to 2006. The general government, including the Government Pension Fund, was the sector with largest portfolio investments abroad with NOK 2 092 billion or 71 percent of total portfolio investments.

Norway invested most in the USA, with NOK 599 billion or 20 percent of all the investments. Germany and Great Britain followed thereafter.

Investment in debt securities was NOK 1 610 billion (55 percent of total investments), while investment in equity securities was NOK 1 339 billion (45 percent of total investments). Compared to 2006, the share of equity securities has increased, while the share of debt securities has been reduced to the same level as it was in 2005.

Portfolio investment is defined as cross-border positions involving debt or equity securities other than those included in direct investment or reserve assets.

Tables:

• Table 1 Portfolio investment abroad, by type of assets and country. 31.12. NOK million
• Table 2 Portfolio investment abroad, by type of assets and sector per 31.12. NOK million