Portfolio investment abroad, 2009

Investments in equity securities were NOK 2 047 billion (54 per cent of total investments) and NOK 1 714 billion (46 per cent of total investments) in debt securities in 2009. Corresponding data for 2008 show NOK 1 423 billion (39 per cent) for equities and NOK 2 240 billion (61 per cent) for debt securities.

The Government Pension Fund dominates

The general government sector, dominated by the Government Pension Fund - Global, had a stock position of NOK 2 753 billion in foreign securities at the end of 2009. This is equal to 73 per cent of Norway’s total portfolio investment. Norway’s total foreign equity position was NOK 1 661 billion; an increase of 46 per cent from the end of 2008. The debt securities increased by 33 per cent from 2008, and amounted to NOK 1 092 billion at the end of 2009. The Government Pension Fond - Global has increased its foreign equity position considerably, and at the same time decreased its foreign position of debt securities.

Large positions in the USA

Norway’s portfolio investment in the USA was NOK 869 billion at the end of 2009, followed by United Kingdom and Germany with NOK 488 and NOK 334 billion respectively.

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