2011•OECD factbook ... Economy, environmental and social statisticsRequires access
Balance of payments
OECD
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Abstract
The current account balance is the difference between current receipts from abroad and current payments to abroad. When the current account is positive, the country can use the surplus to repay foreign debts, to acquire foreign assets or to lend to the rest of the world. When the current account balance is negative, the deficit will be financed by borrowing from abroad or by liquidating foreign assets acquired in earlier periods.