Data are available on a half-year basis. The international investment position is the balance sheet of the stock of external financial assets and liabilities.
Differences exist between the national and the international presentation only.
The international investment position has been compiled in accordance with the BPM5 methodology back to 1949. Information for the introduction of the directional principle and the inclusion of short-term financial claims in direct investment are only available back to 1997 and have been published for the first time in December 1999. No stocks are systematically excluded. Sometimes the reporting system may, in practice, not cover all stocks. Then estimates are needed.