Global investors flock to US debt at record speed

The net increase was almost a $100bn rise on February – when foreign purchases of long-term securities stood at $47.1bn – and was a new record, according to US ­Treasury figures.

The marked increase in securities purchases – which saw China become a net-buyer of US assets for the first time in six months – is evidence that the rest of the world ­continues to view the US as a relative safe haven.

New data from the US Treasury show that private purchasers led the increase, buying $125bn of US bonds and other assets in March, while foreign governments bought $32.7bn worth.(more)