Ever Wondered Who Owns That National Debt This graphic shows a breakdown of u.s. debt composition, categorized by domestic and foreign investors as well as intragovernmental holdings. At the end of december 2024, the nation’s gross debt totaled $36 trillion. of that amount, $29 trillion, or 80 percent, was debt held by the public — representing cash borrowed from domestic and foreign investors.
Who Owns The Us National Debt Find out how the u.s. national debt is divided between two types of debt, the role of the federal reserve, and the current foreign ownership of u.s. debt. learn how it impacts the economy and you. Discover the largest us treasury holders in 2025, including japan, china, and more. learn how these countries finance america’s $35 trillion debt. The u.s. government has nearly $36 trillion of debt on issue and its bonds are the bedrock of the global financial system. As of april 2024, foreign countries own approximately $7.9 trillion in treasurys — or 22.9% of total us debt. over the past two decades, central banks and other government entities have owned more than 50% of foreign owned debt. independent investors and companies held the rest.
Who Owns The Us National Debt The u.s. government has nearly $36 trillion of debt on issue and its bonds are the bedrock of the global financial system. As of april 2024, foreign countries own approximately $7.9 trillion in treasurys — or 22.9% of total us debt. over the past two decades, central banks and other government entities have owned more than 50% of foreign owned debt. independent investors and companies held the rest. Many people assume the u.s. debt is mostly owed to foreign countries, but that’s only part of the story. in reality, the biggest portion of u.s. debt is held by americans themselves —through pension funds, mutual funds, banks, and even social security. There are two components of gross national debt: "debt held by the public" – such as treasury securities held by investors outside the federal government, including those held by individuals, corporations, the federal reserve, and foreign, state and local governments. Private investors are the biggest holders of national debt – $24.4 trillion as of march 2025 – followed by federal trust funds and retirement programs. Public debt, which accounts for roughly 80% of the total, is owed to investors. those investors include foreign governments, mutual funds, pension funds, and individuals among others.
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