Apple is now more liquid than the United States government, theFinancial Post reports.

As the government struggles to resolve the debt ceiling debate, the operating balance in Washington is at US$73.768 billion and falling.

Meanwhile, Apple has US$75.876 billion — and that number isn’t going anywhere but up as the company continues to break records and make its competitors look bad.

You can check the treasury numbers yourselfhereand the Apple numbers from the most recent quarterly earnings reporthere.

The 💜 of EU tech

The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It’s free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!

Apple’s lead over the government is more pronounced than it would seem if you treat cash as more valuable than credit. Washington’s “operating balance” refers to the amount of money it can spend before it hits the debt ceiling.

The phrase “richer than a small country” is not uncommonly heard, but this is another thing altogether. Congratulations Steve Jobs — you’re now more powerful than one of the largest nations on Earth.

Story byJoel Falconer

Joel Falconer is the Features Editor at TNW. He lives on the Gold Coast, Australia with his wife and three kids and can sometimes be found g(show all)Joel Falconeris the Features Editor at TNW. He lives on the Gold Coast, Australia with his wife and three kids and can sometimes be foundgamingorconsulting. Follow Joel onTwitter.

Get the TNW newsletter

Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.

Also tagged with