The Balance of Payments is the statistical statement that systematically summarises transactions between residents and non-residents. It consists of the goods and services account, the primary income account, the secondary income account, the capital account and the financial account (BPM6 – 2.12) The financial account shows net acquisition and disposal of financial assets and liabilities The financial account indicates the functional categories, sectors, instruments, and maturities used for net international financing transactions. (BPM6 – 8.1). Five functional categories of investment are distinguished in the international accounts: a) direct investment, b) portfolio investment, c) financial derivatives and employee stock options, d) other investment and e) reserve assets. (BPM6 – 6.1). Source of euro area data: European Central Bank (ECB).