Global Demand for U.S. Assets Declined in December

Global demand for U.S. stocks, bonds and other financial assets fell in less than forecast in December as the outlook for the economy brightened, figures from the Treasury Department showed today.

Net buying of long-term equities, notes and bonds totaled $65.9 billion during the month, compared with net buying of $85.1 billion in November, according to data released today in Washington. Purchases were forecast to decline to $40 billion, according to the median of five estimates in a Bloomberg News survey.