Why did the Danish pension fund AkademikerPension decide to sell its U.S. Treasuries?

AkademikerPension cited poor U.S. government finances, rising debt, credit rating downgrade by Moody's, and geopolitical tensions including Trump's interest in Greenland as reasons, though they stated it was not directly related to the U.S.-Europe rift.

What did Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent say about Denmark's sale of U.S. Treasuries?

Bessent dismissed Denmark and its $100 million Treasury holdings as 'irrelevant' at Davos, stating he was unconcerned as they've been selling for years and it won't impact markets.

How significant are AkademikerPension's U.S. Treasury holdings compared to its total assets?

The $100 million in U.S. Treasuries represents a small portion of the fund's approximately $25 billion in total savings for teachers and academics.

What broader concerns were raised about foreign divestment from U.S. Treasuries?

Observers, including a Deutsche Bank note, warned that large-scale EU divestment could raise U.S. borrowing costs due to U.S. reliance on foreign debt, though Bessent downplayed it citing high demand.

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1M ago

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Dismisses Denmark After Pension Fund Sells U.S. Treasuries

At Davos, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dismissed Denmark as 'irrelevant' after its pension fund sold $100 million in U.S. Treasuries, downplaying market consequences and criticism.

Overview

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Denmark and its $100 million Treasury holdings are "irrelevant" and that he was unconcerned by the sale.

Danish pension operator AkademikerPension announced it would divest roughly $100 million in U.S. Treasuries, citing concerns about U.S. government finances and geopolitical tensions tied to Greenland.

Bessent criticized media coverage and a Deutsche Bank research note for amplifying fears of a mass European sell-off, saying the bank’s CEO had disavowed the analyst's report.

Observers warned that large-scale EU divestment could raise U.S. borrowing costs, but Bessent noted high demand for Treasuries and said limited sales would not destabilize markets.

The comments came amid tensions over President Trump’s interest in Greenland and proposed tariffs; Bessent urged deescalation and emphasized continued foreign investment in the United States.

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: AkademikerPension cited poor U.S. government finances, rising debt, credit rating downgrade by Moody's, and geopolitical tensions including Trump's interest in Greenland as reasons, though they stated it was not directly related to the U.S.-Europe rift.
Sources:
CBS News
: Bessent dismissed Denmark and its $100 million Treasury holdings as 'irrelevant' at Davos, stating he was unconcerned as they've been selling for years and it won't impact markets.
Sources:
CBS News
: The $100 million in U.S. Treasuries represents a small portion of the fund's approximately $25 billion in total savings for teachers and academics.
Sources:
Investing.com
: Observers, including a Deutsche Bank note, warned that large-scale EU divestment could raise U.S. borrowing costs due to U.S. reliance on foreign debt, though Bessent downplayed it citing high demand.
Sources:
Common Dreams

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