News Summary: Foreign holdings hit record $5.46T

RECORD HOLDINGS: Foreign demand for U.S. Treasury securities rose to a record $5.46 trillion in September. It was the ninth straight month in which it reached a record level.

BIGGEST INVESTORS: China, the largest holder of U.S. government debt, barely increased its holdings to $1.16 trillion. Japan, the second-largest, increased its holdings to $1.13 trillion.

OUTLOOK: Investors remain confident in U.S. debt despite a potential budget crisis. Lawmakers and President Barack Obama are at odds over whether to raise the U.S. borrowing limit as part of the broader negotiations.