FDI flows main aggregates, BMD4

FDI flows record the value of cross-border transactions related to direct investment during a given period of time, usually a quarter or a year, and consist of equity transactions, reinvestment of earnings, and intercompany debt transactions.

In this dataset, FDI flows are presented on two different basis:

• the asset/liability presentation: FDI statistics are organised according to whether the investment relates to an asset or a liability for the country compiling the statistics. The asset/liability presentation does not show the direction of influence as the directional presentation does.
• the directional presentation: FDI statistics are organised according to the direction of the investment for the reporting economy—either outward or inward.

For more details on the difference between the two presentations, see the OECD note Implementing latest international standards-Asset liability versus directional presentation

FDI flows aggregates in this dataset are measured in USD millions, in millions of national currency and as a share of GDP.

In 2014, many countries implemented the latest international standards for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) statistics:

• the OECD’s Benchmark Definition of FDI, 4th edition (BMD4); and


• the IMF’s Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, 6th edition (BPM6)

This OECD database was launched in March 2015 which includes the data series reported by national experts according to BMD4. The data are for the most part based on balance of payments statistics published by Central Banks and Statistical Offices following the recommendations of the IMF’s BPM6 and the OECD’s BMD4. However, some of the data relate to other sources such as notifications or approvals.

Historical and unrevised series of FDI flows aggregates under the previous BMD3 methodology can be accessed in the archived dataset FDI series of BOP and IIP aggregates