The Exchange Fund's foreign assets increased $2.8 billion to $907.7 billion in January, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority says.

The monetary base, comprising certificates of indebtedness, Government-issued currency notes and coins in circulation, the aggregate balance of the banking system and Exchange Fund bills and notes issued, amounted to $305.8 billion. 

Claims on the private sector in Hong Kong amounted to $65.3 billion.

Foreign liabilities, representing mainly obligations under repurchase agreements, amounted to $1.4 billion.