World

Russia Sells Off Billions in US Debt Amid Skyrocketing Tensions

With the prospect of new US sanctions still looming on the horizon, Russia continues to cut its reserves of US government bonds.
Sputnik

According to updated figures provided by the US Treasury Department, in February, Russia’s hard currency reserves currently held in US Treasuries went down by $3.1 billion and now stand at $93.8 billion, the lowest level since March of last year.

Cashing Out: How New Sanctions Can Push Russia Into Dropping Its US Bonds
Russia still remains the world’s 16th largest holder of US government bonds. China holds the top spot with almost $1.8 trillion, trailed by Japan which has  shed some of its US Treasuries.

Analysts believe that Beijing can use its vast holdings of US Treasuries as a bargaining chip in its trade dispute with Washington.

To date, the governments of the world’s leading economies have amassed about seven trillion dollars’ worth of US government bonds.

READ MORE: China's Increased Holding of US Treasuries is Purely Market Behavior: Expert

Discuss