Direct investment, Net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) in United Kingdom
United Kingdom: Direct investment, Net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) was 64.80 billion in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Direct investment, Net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) in United Kingdom, 2005–2024
Source: International Monetary Fund.
Analysis
The most recent figure for direct investment, net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) in United Kingdom is 64.80 billion, measured in 2024.
The figure is up 294.7% on the previous year and up 137.5% over ten years.
Over the whole period, direct investment, net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) in United Kingdom peaked at 160.88 billion in 2007 and was at its lowest, -291.90 billion, in 2016.
That places United Kingdom 3rd out of 195 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the top 10%.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Direct investment, Net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) in United Kingdom, year by year
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | -92.74 billion | — |
| 2006 | -61.38 billion | -33.8% |
| 2007 | 160.88 billion | -362.1% |
| 2008 | 103.24 billion | -35.8% |
| 2009 | -62.95 billion | -161.0% |
| 2010 | -12.33 billion | -80.4% |
| 2011 | 53.82 billion | -536.6% |
| 2012 | -34.73 billion | -164.5% |
| 2013 | -8.22 billion | -76.3% |
| 2014 | -172.81 billion | +2001.7% |
| 2015 | -105.51 billion | -38.9% |
| 2016 | -291.90 billion | +176.7% |
| 2017 | 46.69 billion | -116.0% |
| 2018 | -3.58 billion | -107.7% |
| 2019 | -41.29 billion | +1054.4% |
| 2020 | -140.80 billion | +241.0% |
| 2021 | 155.69 billion | -210.6% |
| 2022 | 79.99 billion | -48.6% |
| 2023 | 16.42 billion | -79.5% |
| 2024 | 64.80 billion | +294.7% |
United Kingdom compared with similar countries
- United Kingdom's 64.80 billion is above the median for high income countries, which is -139.68 million. (70 countries reporting)
- United Kingdom's 64.80 billion is above the median for Europe & Central Asia, which is -1.00 billion. (48 countries reporting)
Biggest year-on-year movements
Years where Direct investment, Net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) in United Kingdom changed far more than this series normally does. A large move can be a real event or a change in how the figure was measured — the source note below says who published it.
| Year | Change | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | -2001.7% | -8.22 billion | -172.81 billion |
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 9.41 billion | -92.74 billion | 160.88 billion | 5 |
| 2010s | -56.99 billion | -291.90 billion | 53.82 billion | 10 |
| 2020s | 35.22 billion | -140.80 billion | 155.69 billion | 5 |
Countries ranked near United Kingdom
More external debt data for United Kingdom
- Other investment, Debt instruments 7.66 trillion US dollar (2025)
- Other investment, Debt instruments (Assets, Positions, US dollar) 13.08 % change on previous year (2025)
- Other investment, Debt instruments, Deposit taking corporations 1.46 trillion US dollar (1998)
- Other investment, Debt instruments (Assets, Positions, US dollar) 110,234 US dollar per person (2025)
- Other investment, Debt instruments (Assets, Positions, US dollar) 1.91 US dollar per US$ of GDP (2025)
- Net lending (+) / net borrowing (-), General government, Percent of -2.24 (2030)
- Other investment, Debt instruments, Deposit taking corporations 6.59 % change on previous year (1998)
- Primary net lending (+) / net borrowing (-), General government 0.6703 (2030)
- Other investment, Debt instruments, Deposit taking corporations 24,920 US dollar per person (1998)
- Other investment, Debt instruments, Deposit taking corporations 0.8776 US dollar per US$ of GDP (1998)
Frequently asked questions
- What is direct investment, net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) in United Kingdom?
- Direct investment, net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) in United Kingdom was 64.80 billion in 2024, according to International Monetary Fund.
- What is the highest direct investment, net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) recorded in United Kingdom?
- The highest recorded value was 160.88 billion in 2007.
- What is the lowest direct investment, net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) recorded in United Kingdom?
- The lowest recorded value was -291.90 billion in 2016.
- How does United Kingdom rank for direct investment, net (net acquisition of financial assets less net)?
- United Kingdom ranks 3rd out of 195 countries with data for 2024.
- Is direct investment, net (net acquisition of financial assets less net) rising or falling in United Kingdom?
- Over the last ten years it is up 137.5%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this United Kingdom data come from?
- The figures come from International Monetary Fund, published as part of Direct investment, Net (net acquisition of financial assets less net incurrence of liabilities) (US dollar). Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
The World and Country Group Aggregates (historically called BOPSY) is an annual publication, released each November, of major balance of payments and international investment position components for countries, country groups, and the world.