The US has a financial advantage in the global economy, with its assets earning more than its debts. This advantage grew after the Bretton Woods system ended. The US benefits from lower costs on its foreign investments compared to what it pays out. It also tends to borrow money for short periods while investing for longer periods. As global finance has expanded, the US has shifted from being a major lender to a major investor in high-return assets like stocks and foreign direct investment. These findings help us understand the sustainability of global economic imbalances.