Foreign investment in Canadian securities reached a record high $38.8 billion in February, led by issuances of new Canadian shares to non-resident investors. At the same time, Canadian investors acquired $6.3 billion of foreign securities, mainly US instruments.

Foreign investment in Canadian securities reached a record high $38.8 billion in February. This investment was largely in Canadian equities with the vast majority resulting from cross-border merger and acquisition activities. Foreign investors also acquired $3.0 billion of Canadian debt securities in February.

Foreign investment in Canadian equities amounted to $35.9 billion in February, the largest such investment on record. Issuances of new Canadian shares to non-resident portfolio investors resulting from cross-border mergers and acquisitions led the investment during the month. Sales by non-residents on the secondary market slightly moderated the overall inflow of funds. Canadian stock prices edged up and the Canadian dollar was down by 1.6 US cents against its US counterpart in February.