(Adds details of release, background)
OTTAWA, April 18 (Reuters) - Foreign investment in Canadian securities hit a record high of C$38.84 billion ($29.20 billion) in February, boosted by cross-border acquisitions and mergers, Statistics Canada said on Tuesday.
The amount easily eclipsed the previous high of C$26.48 billion set in May 2012.
Non-residents bought C$35.87 billion in Canadian equities in February, largely due to issuances of new shares resulting from corporate takeovers and mergers.
Foreigners bought C$7.07 billion worth of Canadian bonds, mostly new provincial government issues denominated in foreign currencies. They also sold C$4.11 billion in money market paper.
Canadians bought C$6.33 billion in foreign securities in February, purchasing C$4.85 billion in stocks, C$795 million in bonds and C$691 million in money market paper.
($1=$1.33 Canadian)
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http://tmsnrt.rs/2e8hNWV
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