Canada’s demand for foreign securities surged at the start of 2026, with net purchases jumping to CAD 46.73 billion in January 2026, a dramatic reversal from a net selling position of CAD 5.57 billion in December 2025.
The sharp turnaround suggests a significant shift in portfolio flows as Canadian investors moved aggressively back into international markets after year-end. While December’s data pointed to capital being pulled back from foreign assets, January’s figure indicates renewed appetite for diversification abroad, potentially reflecting changing expectations around global growth, interest rates, or currency movements.
The latest update, released on 18 March 2026, highlights how quickly cross-border investment sentiment can pivot, and places Canada firmly back among net buyers of foreign securities as the new year begins.
