For the first time, here is the complete history of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). In the fifty years since the end of World War II, the world of development finance has grown rapidly. One of the many financial institutions which cropped up to help war-torn countries with their reconstruction was the IFC. International Business Expansion Into Less-Developed Countries examines the success of the IFC in its wide variety of public sector development activities. Covering thirty-five years of IFC operations, the book thoroughly evaluates the formulation of the concept of the IFC and its evolution as a viable global development finance agency. It is the most complete and up-to-date treatment available of the IFC.The administration and operational procedures are described in detail as are case examples of financial development in all regions. Problems encountered by the IFC and new and future activities of the IFC are discussed. Scholars of economic development and international financewill find the unusual way in which the IFC was established and the case examples presented a highly valuable reference, as will students of international studies and organizations.

For the first time, here is the complete history of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). In the fifty years since the end of World War II, the world of development finance has grown rapidly. One of the many financial institutions which cropped up to help war-torn countries with their reconstruction was the IFC. International Business Expansion Into Less-Developed Countries examines the success of the IFC in its wide variety of public sector development activities. Covering thirty-five years of IFC operations, the book thoroughly evaluates the formulation of the concept of the IFC and its evolution as a viable global development finance agency. It is the most complete and up-to-date treatment available of the IFC.The administration and operational procedures are described in detail as are case examples of financial development in all regions. Problems encountered by the IFC and new and future activities of the IFC are discussed. Scholars of economic development and international finance will find the unusual way in which the IFC was established and the case examples presented a highly valuable reference, as will students of international studies and organizations.

This book addresses many of the issues which arise in the funding and settlement of cross-border financial transactions, covering a broad spectrum of the international finance issues encountered in global business operations.

Global and regional capital markets are becoming increasingly important. Accounting differences in reporting financial information, and innovations in these financial markets, are examined. Theoretical issues in international finance are addressed by applying a neural network model to the effects of foreign exchange rates, using cluster analysis and Chernoff's faces to explain historical mutual fund performance, and examining the impact of asymmetric information in trade balance announcements on prices of financial assets.

Portfolio investment and foreign direct investment are addressed by examining the diversification benefits of reducing risk and enhancing return in selected Latin American capital markets, and the role of various firm-, industry- and country-specific variables which influence the entry mode in foreign markets through foreign direct investment.

Foreign exchange, futures, equity and debt markets are explored, including a strategy of borrowing in low interest rate countries and lending in high interest rate countries, foreign exchange issues affecting intra-firm cross-border trade, the risk and return of emerging-market debts relative to emerging-market equities, and the socio-ethical and economic effects of international debt in developing economies.

Studies devoted to national issues include an analysis of foreign direct investment in the United States and a study of the financial ratio distribution of Japanese firms.

During World War Two, there was a massive explosion a few miles off the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. It rocked Galveston, Texas City and towns nearby. No ships were reported sunk - nothing is shown in the military records from that period. What was it? Was it another of the many U-boat victims of the Drumbeat campaign? Was it due to the hurricane that struck the coast around that time? - or was it caused by something else? __________________________________________________ Distant Thunder, an action-packed story laced with historical facts, follows the experiences of an elite German unit - whose mission, if successful, could alter the course of the war - and with it the history of the world.

In a world of increasing cross-border financial transactions, The Bank for International Settlements stands out as the oldest existing international financial institution and among the most controversial. For many it is a mystery: What does it actually do? For others it poses an ethical dilemma: What DID it do to aid the Nazis during World War II? Baker examines the history, administration, evolution, and operations of this reclusive institution. He discusses the work of its permanent committees, such as the Basle Concordats of 1975 and 1983 and the Basle Capital Accords of 1988 and 2001. Among other products and services he notes The BIS's studies of the use of derivatives by banks, its analysis of payment and settlement systems worldwide, and its supervision of the insurance and investment banking businesses. Then, in a cool and balanced appraisal, he looks at the Bank's operations during World War II, its relationship with the Nazis in their gold and foreign exchange transactions. Throughout, he underlines the importance of The BIS and its value in maintaining stability of the international monetary system. The result is a major academic study, a work of special interest to scholars, teachers, and students, and an important, readable, engrossing account for finance and investment professionals as well.

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) are two of the more significant international agencies whose objective is to promote foreign direct investment in less developed countries (LDCs). This is the first detailed treatment of their establishment, the history of their operations, and an evaluation of these operations.

ICSID, established in 1966, facilitates the arbitration or conciliation of investment contract disputes between foreign investors from countries that are signatories of the ICSID Convention and host signatory states. MIGA, whose first year of operations was 1988, insures foreign investment against political risks. Drawing on cases, Baker shows how the functions of these two agencies have encouraged a significant amount of foreign investment in LDCs and how the operations of these two agencies continue to grow in importance. Scholars, professionals, and policy makers will find this to be the most comprehensive description available of these important agencies.