India lowers exposure to US government bonds

Washington: India further trimmed its holdings of the US government securities to USD 115.6 billion in August amid continuing global economic uncertainties.

After hiking the exposure to these securities for eight consecutive months till June, India has now reduced the exposure for two straight months in July and August.

As per the latest data from the the US Treasury Department, India's holdings came down to USD 115.6 billion in August from USD 116.4 billion recorded in July.

China remained the largest holder of the US government securities and its holdings rose to USD 1.271 trillion while Japan was at the second spot with USD 1.197 trillion worth exposure.

Among the BRIC nations, Brazil also lowered its holdings in August, trimming its exposure to USD 255.3 billion from USD 257.9 billion seen in July.

However, Russia significantly raised its holdings to USD 89.9 billion in August.

According to the Treasury Department, foreign residents lowered their holdings of long term US securities in August.

"Foreign residents decreased their holdings of long-term US securities in August; net sales were USD 21.8 billion. Net purchases by private foreign investors were USD 19.8 billion, while net sales by foreign official institutions were USD 41.5 billion," it said in a statement last week.

Despite concerns about global economic conditions, the US economy has been seeing improvement and its GDP grew 3.9 percent in June quarter, as per the latest data.

In the wake of uncertainties, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered the world economic growth forecast to 3.1 percent for this year.