In 2008, the value of foreign portfolio investments held by Swedes plummeted 18 percent, Statistics Sweden revealed in a report published on Tuesday.

The report is part of the IMF’s annual international survey and measures Swedish holdings of foreign portfolio assets with regard to both foreign equity securities and debt securities. This is the ninth international survey conducted and Sweden has participated in each round.

The upturn in foreign holdings by Swedes is mainly due to the increased value of equities and mutual funds. Swedish holdings in equities and funds rose 31 percent last year due to the turnaround in stock markets around the world.

Consequently, Swedish holdings of debt securities decreased slightly partly due to the strengthening of the krona. As in previous years, investments from the the US, Luxembourg and the UK remained the most popular with Swedish investors.

Investments increased the most in Luxembourg at 36 percent. The main reason behind the increased percentage of holdings is a rise in the number of foreign mutual funds that are registered in the country.

Other financial institutions, mainly insurance and fund companies, were once again the largest holders of foreign portfolio investments. Equities and mutual funds dominate the sector. By contrast, debt securities are mainly held by banks and housing finance institutions.

In 2009, investments in money market instruments issued by foreign governments increased. At the end of 2009, Swedish holdings in these securities amounted to 21 billion kronor. In 2008, the corresponding amount was 9 billion kronor.

Banks and housing finance institutions are the largest holders, with their holdings amounting to 67 percent.