Foreign portfolio equity in France
Foreign portfolio equity in France stood at -767 EUR million in Jul 2026, according to Eurostat – balance of payments by country, monthly (bop_c6_m), compiled by Banque de France. It is one of the indicators in the Monthly balance of payments table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 2008 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Monthly balance of payments table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio investment in France | 20,422 | 56,774 | 18,811 | 28,504 | 105,995 | 27,534 | -1,304 | 37,489 | 2,243 | -47,377 | |
| Equity and investment fund shares | -767 | -6,703 | -774 | 7,761 | 7,765 | 210 | -7,678 | 11,107 | -171 | -635 | |
| Debt securities | 21,189 | 63,477 | 19,585 | 20,743 | 98,230 | 27,324 | 6,374 | 26,382 | 2,414 | -46,742 |
Understanding foreign portfolio equity in France
Cross-border investments by non-residents specifically targeting shares and units issued by domestic corporations and investment funds are isolated in this sub-item. Excluded are debt securities such as bonds and treasury bills, as well as direct investment equity stakes that involve management control. The series tracks foreign participation in domestic equity markets through portfolio channels.
Interpreting this flow requires accounting for equity price movements and dividend distribution cycles, which can influence reporting alongside actual share purchases and sales. Monthly figures frequently reflect broader international stock market trends rather than domestic economic fundamentals alone. Analysts should compare equity inflows with debt inflows to determine whether foreign investors prefer risk assets or fixed-income instruments.
Frequently asked questions
- What distinguishes portfolio equity from portfolio debt liabilities?
- Portfolio equity covers shares and fund units representing ownership claims, whereas portfolio debt covers bonds and notes.
- Are unlisted shares included in portfolio equity?
- The majority of portfolio equity comprises listed shares, though certain unlisted traded shares may also be included.
- Why do equity inflows vary sharply across months?
- Changes in global stock market sentiment and major corporate listings drive fluctuations in foreign equity purchases.