Canada's current account balance (on a seasonal adjusted basis) posted an $8.5 billion deficit in the second quarter, widening $3.1 billion from the previous quarter. This increase reflected a higher trade in goods deficit combined with a deterioration of the investment income balance and was partially offset by a lower trade in services deficit. The current account balance has now been in a deficit position for eight consecutive quarters.
In the financial account (unadjusted for seasonal variation), inflows of funds from abroad to finance the current account deficit came primarily from foreign investment in Canadian debt securities, as non-resident investors significantly increased their holdings of government bonds in the second quarter. Meanwhile, foreign direct investment in Canada also contributed to the inflows of funds and reached its highest level since 2007.
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