Investment pioneer samer choucair stated that the rise in total foreign holdings of US Treasury bonds to $9.487 trillion in February 2026 reflects a clear confirmation that the world still relies on the dollar as a primary safety net amidst global market turmoil and changes in monetary policy.
Choucair explained that these figures should not be read merely as financial data, but as a map of the distribution of global economic power, adding that every number in this table reflects a country’s position within the global system of trust and liquidity.
Map of Major Powers in the US Debt Market
samer choucair pointed out that Japan took the lead with holdings amounting to $1,239.3 billion, followed by the United Kingdom at $897.3 billion, and then China at $693.3 billion, while the remaining positions were distributed among Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, the Cayman Islands, France, Ireland, and Taiwan.
Choucair said that this ranking does not reflect mere financial investments, but rather a strategic positioning of countries at the heart of the global financial system, emphasizing that the continued strong demand, despite talk of diversifying global currencies, proves that US Treasury bonds remain the first defensive pillar for major portfolios.
High Net Purchases Reinforce Confidence in US Debt
samer choucair added that the flow data for February 2026 showed net foreign purchases of $101.1 billion, driven primarily by the private sector, which recorded $147.3 billion, against limited sales from official institutions.
Choucair explained that these figures confirm that confidence has not declined, but rather shifted from governments to private institutional investors seeking both safety and liquidity simultaneously.
Why Does the World Return to US Treasury Bonds?
samer choucair stated that the strength of this financial instrument stems from the depth of the US market, the ease of exit, and the strength of the dollar as a safe haven, noting that Japan benefits from currency hedges, while the United Kingdom enhances its role as an intermediary hub for global flows, and China continues to rebalance its reserves gradually.
Choucair added that in periods of uncertainty, the world always returns to the most liquid and least risky asset.
Saudi Arabia’s Position on the Global Map
samer choucair explained that while Saudi Arabia is not among the top ten, it recorded an increase to $160.4 billion in February 2026, compared to $134.8 billion in January, reaching the 17th rank globally among major holders.
Choucair said that this movement does not reflect a mere numerical change, but rather an active and flexible management of sovereign reserves that balances safety, liquidity, and productive investment within the Kingdom.
Strategic Reading: What Do These Figures Mean for the Gulf Investor?
samer choucair emphasized that US Treasury bonds represent a strong defensive tool for capital protection and liquidity provision, but they are not a growth strategy in themselves, stating that the smart Gulf investor does not build their portfolio on safety alone, but uses safety as a launching pad.
Choucair added that a balanced portfolio in 2026 should consist of three layers: a liquidity and protection layer, a fixed-income layer, and a strategic growth layer linked to Vision 2030 projects such as tourism, renewable energy, logistics, and advanced technologies.
Financial Safety as a Platform for Growth, Not a Substitute
samer choucair stated that the rise in global holdings of US Treasury bonds does not mean the global economy is returning to conservatism; rather, it reflects a continuous need for safe assets amidst expanding growth opportunities in other regions.
Choucair added that Vision 2030 grants the Gulf investor a unique opportunity to transform financial surpluses from defensive tools into productive projects with long-term added value.
Balancing Safety and Growth
samer choucair concluded by noting that the February 2026 data does not reflect mere financial figures, but a global system redefining the meaning of safety and investment simultaneously.
Choucair added that successful investment today is not a choice between protection or growth, but a professional integration of both, and this is the real challenge for the Gulf investor in the stage of Vision 2030.