India hikes US government securities holdings to $63.9 billion

WASHINGTON: India increased its holding of American government securities to US $ 63.9 billion for the second straight month in November last year. The exposure, at the end of November last, is also the highest compared to the previous five months.

In October 2013, the holdings were worth US 4 59.9 billion. Despite uncertainties in the world's largest economy, India has been increasing its exposure to American treasury bills since September last when it touched US 4 56.8 billion. Neighbouring China remains the largest holder of these securities with exposure worth US 4 1.32 trillion in November, slightly higher than US $ 1.30 trillion recorded in October, according to latest data from the US Treasury Department.

The second largest exposure is for Japan which held American government securities to the tune of USD 1.19 trillion in November. It is tad more than USD 1.17 trillion seen in October last year. Meanwhile, among the BRICS grouping, India has the second lowest exposure to these securities after South Africa.

In November, Brazil's holding rose marginally to US 4 246.9 billion as compared to US $ 246.7 billion in the previous month. Even though Russia's exposure is higher than India, the country trimmed its holdings by as much as US $ 10 billion to US $ 139.9 billion at the end of November last. Within the BRICS bloc, only South Africa has the lowest exposure than India at USD 11.7 billion in November whereas the same was at USD 10.6 billion in October 2013.

With regard to the economy, the US Federal Reserve in its Beige Book released on January 15 said that economic outlook is positive in most districts. According to the Beige Book, which offers a snap shot of economic activities in various districts, reports suggest economic activity continued to expand across most regions and sectors from late November through the end of the year.

"The economic outlook is positive in most districts, with some reports citing expectations of "more of the same" and some expecting a pickup in growth," it added. American economy, which is seeing slow recovery, recorded a GDP growth of 3.6 per cent in the third quarter of 2013.