How does the directional presentation differ from the asset-liability approach?

The directional approach groups transactions by the direction of direct investment and nets out reverse investment within related relationships.

Do total inflows equal equity capital plus debt instruments?

Not always, particularly if equity is presented separately from reinvested earnings or if other adjustments apply.

Do negative inflows mean all investors are withdrawing capital?

No, this is a net result and may stem from a single large negative component offsetting positive transactions.

US Foreign Direct Investment Inflows by Direction

Name: US Foreign Direct Investment Inflows by Direction
Creator: FED (Z.1) via FRED; BEA (International Transactions)
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

US Foreign Direct Investment Inflows by Direction stood at 141,097 USD million in Q2 2026, according to FED (Z.1) via FRED; BEA (International Transactions). It is one of the indicators in the Foreign direct investment in the US table (Value · Quarterly), with a complete series running from Q1 1982 to Q2 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.

Source: FED (Z.1) via FRED; BEA (International Transactions)Last updated: Sep 24, 2026, 22:35 UTCCurated by Bui Thanh Phuc

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This indicator in the Foreign direct investment in the US table

Indicator	Q2-2026	Q1-2026	Q4-2025	Q3-2025	Q2-2025	Q1-2025	Q4-2024	Q3-2024	Q2-2024	Q1-2024
FDI flows into the United States (BEA, by direction)2	141,097	95,088	57,354	82,290	82,750	36,294	76,462	67,494	74,198	62,436
Equity capital	139,685	88,675	60,834	95,806	87,947	47,942	85,133	74,656	64,322	65,678
Debt instruments	1,412	6,413	-3,480	-13,516	-5,197	-11,648	-8,671	-7,162	9,876	-3,242

Understanding US Foreign Direct Investment Inflows by Direction

Directional foreign direct investment inflows to the United States represent net direct investment transactions by foreign investors with resident enterprises in the United States, organized by direction of investment rather than solely by asset and liability type. This presentation typically nets out reverse investment within the same direct investment relationship. Total flows may comprise equity capital, reinvested earnings, and debt instruments, making this measure broader than individual equity or debt components presented alongside it.

Frequently asked questions

How does the directional presentation differ from the asset-liability approach?: The directional approach groups transactions by the direction of direct investment and nets out reverse investment within related relationships.
Do total inflows equal equity capital plus debt instruments?: Not always, particularly if equity is presented separately from reinvested earnings or if other adjustments apply.
Do negative inflows mean all investors are withdrawing capital?: No, this is a net result and may stem from a single large negative component offsetting positive transactions.