In January to December 2018, net foreign direct investments slightly went down by 4% to US$9.8 billion from US$10.3 billion in the same period last year. Equity capital investments were infused mainly in manufacturing amounting to US$1.1 billion which was 9% lower than its 2017 level at US$1.2 billion. This was followed by investments in the financial and insurance activities (US$330.0 million); real estate activities (US$296.4 million); electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply (US$192.8 million); and arts, entertainment and recreation (US$188.4 million).

Equity capital placements during the period originated primarily from Singapore (US$935.6 million), Hong Kong (US$270.2 million), Japan (US$218.9 million), China (US$198.7 million), and USA (US$160.4 million).