BRICs and Beyond. Lessons on Emerging Markets

For more than a decade, emerging markets have proved one of the most exciting areas of investment, but the sector has not been without its dangers. Private and professional investors alike have continuously been attracted by the promise of riches on offer from countries such as China, India, Brazil and Russia but, as often as not, have been left with their fingers burnt. Investing in Emerging Markets: The BRIC Economies and Beyond tempers the undoubted causes for emerging market optimism with a healthy dose of reality, illustrating how for every argument in favour of investing in the sector there are one or more reasons to tread very carefully indeed. In the wake of the credit crunch and ensuing market turmoil, it also analyses where the emerging markets now fit within the global investment landscape. With the economies of the US, Europe and Japan hit by an economic crisis very much of their own making, has the credibility gap between developed and developing markets narrowed? Has the playing field become more level? Investing in Emerging Markets: The BRIC Economies and Beyond offers a fresh, clear-eyed and objective look at an area that can only grow in importance over the next decade. It balances a realistic appraisal of the opportunities on offer from the emerging markets with a pragmatic assessment of the potential pitfalls facing investors, in the process providing an accessible introduction to newcomers and more experienced investors with a valuable and compact point of reference.

Global Best Practice in Private Equity Investing Private Equity in Action takes you on a tour of the private equity investment world through a series of case studies written by INSEAD faculty and taught at the world's leading business schools. The book is an ideal complement to Mastering Private Equity and allows readers to apply core concepts to investment targets and portfolio companies in real-life settings. The 19 cases illustrate the managerial challenges and risk-reward dynamics common to private equity investment. The case studies in this book cover the full spectrum of private equity strategies, including: Carve-outs in the US semiconductor industry (LBO) Venture investing in the Indian wine industry (VC) Investing in SMEs in the Middle East Turnaround situations in both emerging and developed markets Written with leading private equity firms and their advisors and rigorously tested in INSEAD's MBA, EMBA and executive education programmes, each case makes for a compelling read. As one of the world's leading graduate business schools, INSEAD offers a global educational experience. The cases in this volume leverage its international reach, network and connections, particularly in emerging markets. Private Equity in Action is the companion to Mastering Private Equity: Transformation via Venture Capital, Minority Investments & Buyouts, a reference for students, investors, finance professionals and business owners looking to engage with private equity firms. From deal sourcing to exit, LBOs to responsible investing, operational value creation to risk management, Mastering Private Equity systematically covers all facets of the private equity life cycle.

Get ahead of emerging markets with top-performer picks for up-and-comers Frontier helps investors successfully navigate markets that are yet to “emerge,” with expert advice on spotting opportunities and minimising risks. With first-hand insights into frontier markets as we travel with big-name fund managers from Mark Mobius to Morgan Stanley, this practical guide ranks countries, stocks and bonds on a five- to ten-year horizon to steer investors toward the most promising destinations. Written in a compelling and accessible travelogue narrative, each chapter covers a specific country, providing invaluable market analysis and a deep understanding of the political, economic, and social background of those most likely to outperform. The key focus is on fresh ideas, based on the assessments from top performing money managers when meeting challenges, hostilities or adversity, and observations after interviewing high-level government officials and executives. With advanced economies shackled by debt and sluggish growth, investors are increasingly turning to emerging markets for better returns. Yet the money managers who came out on top in China, India, and Brazil are now focusing their attention on markets that have not yet emerged. This book applies the perspective of ten of the most successful fund managers in their field, providing an unparalleled guide to assessing investment potential in places better known for conflict, poverty and corruption. · Discover which markets have the best prospects, and which are potential disasters · Analyse individual markets by metrics including macro data, global relative value comparisons of stocks and bonds, buy/ sell triggers, and more · Learn which industries, stocks and bonds should be considered in each market · Examine each country through real-life on-the-ground assessment of corruption, conflict and other risks as well as inspirational breakthroughs that signal opportunities This is a practical manual for all investors – whether students or professionals – wanting to get to know the most promising new markets while avoiding the pitfalls. A must-read for corporate executives seeking global capital, Frontier provides a better understanding of the changing international investment dynamic. Robin Wigglesworth, FT: “Invaluable.” Mark Mobius, Templeton: “I love it! Beautiful descriptive writing.” Aliko Dangote, Wealthiest African: “Captivating tales, masterly woven.”

The world is upside down. The emerging market countries are more important than many investors realise. They have been catching up with the West over the past few decades. Greater market freedom has spread since the end of the Cold War, and with it institutional changes which have further assisted emerging economies in becoming more productive, flexible, and resilient. The Western financial crisis from 2008 has quickened the pace of the relative rise of emerging markets – their relative economic power, and with it political power, but also their financial power as savers, investors and creditors. Emerging Markets in an Upside Down World – Challenging Perceptions in Asset Allocation and Investment argues that finance theory has misunderstood risk and that this has led to poor investment decisions; and that emerging markets constitute a good example of why traditional finance theory is faulty. The book accurately describes the complex and changing global environment currently facing the investor and asset allocator. It raises many questions often bypassed because of the use of simplifying assumptions and models. The narrative builds towards a checklist of issues and questions for the asset allocator and investor and then to a discussion of a variety of regulatory and policy issues. Aimed at institutional and retail investors as well as economics, finance, business and international relations students, Emerging Markets in an Upside Down World covers many complex ideas, but is written to be accessible to the non-expert.

An intriguing look at how technology is changing financial markets, from an innovator on the frontlines of this revolution Nerds on Wall Street tells the tale of the ongoing technological transformation of the world's financial markets. The impact of technology on investing is profound, and author David Leinweber provides readers with an overview of where we were just a few short years ago, and where we are going. Being a successful investor today and tomorrow–individual or institutional–involves more than stock picking, asset allocation, or market timing: it involves technology. And Leinweber helps readers go beyond the numbers to see exactly how this technology has become more responsible for managing modern markets. In essence, the financial game has changed and will continue to change due entirely to technology. The new «players,» human or otherwise, offer investors opportunities and dangers. With this intriguing and entertaining book, Leinweber shows where technology on Wall Street has been, what it has meant, and how it will impact the markets of tomorrow.

Emerging markets are big news. But after the financial crisis, what does the future really hold for them? And what does this future mean for global business? George Magnus, one of the world's most respected economic analysts, is your guide through the challenges and opportunities for emerging markets and those doing business in them. This magisterial book looks in detail at China and India – the big players – and also less hyped but crucial markets, including Eastern European countries and Turkey. Magnus takes in his sweep everything from commodity prices to climate change, and from comparative advantage to demographic to provide a compelling analysis of what the future might look like – not just for emerging markets, but for investors, businesses and economies everywhere. Uprising is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of the global economy.

Emerging Asia was the fairytale story to emerge from the economic horror that engulfed much of the world in 2008 and 2009. Even at the height of the crisis key emerging Asian economies made headlines for extraordinary macro growth numbers. But the question frequently asked is whether emerging Asian nations, especially China, will be able to sustain their pace of growth. In this timely book, Asian expert Aaron Chaze asks whether the booming Asian economies have what it takes to move away from an export-led, external-trade dominated economy and truly embrace a free-market philosophy. The Asia Investor provides a solid framework for analyzing investment opportunities across the region and picking potential winners. Asia is buoyed by several trends that drive these opportunities and it is the analysis of these trends that forms the core of this book.

An in-depth look at how banks and other financial institutions manage treasury operations Created for banking and finance professionals with a desire to expand their management skillset, this book focuses on treasury operations in banking. It was written by the experts at the world-renowned Hong Kong Institute of Bankers, an organization dedicated to providing the international banking community with education and training. Offers a detailed look at treasury operations and how banks manage their relationships with various markets, including foreign exchange, bond markets, and derivatives Gives practitioners a thorough understanding of balance sheet management, settlement, and control Provides bankers with the specialised knowledge they need to undertake critical reviews of treasury operations in banks, manage a wide range of treasury activities, and identify risks

A groundbreaking look at complexity theory and its implications in the world of finance Complexity theory tells us that processes with a large number of seemingly independent agents-such as free markets-can spontaneously organize themselves into a coherent system. In this fascinating book, Edgar Peters brings together scientific theory, the artistic process, and economics to show how the randomness and uncertainty of complexity theory can be applied to financial markets. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this is a thoughtful, conceptual look at the way free markets are, by their nature, continually evolving complex systems. Expanding on previous explorations of chaos theory, Peters draws on real-life examples ranging from the Asian crisis to America's love of conspiracy to show that complexity and randomness are necessary for the free markets to operate in a competitive manner.

Remain competitive by offering more accessible, affordable, and relevant information technologies that meet mass-market needs Technology at the Margins demonstrates that by making IT more accessible, affordable, and relevant, new mass markets can be opened. Based on solid insights generated in key areas of health, education, finance and the environment, the book offers practical recommendations and insights from world leaders, innovators, practitioners and new users of emergent technologies. Offers recommendations on how companies can ensure their own competitiveness by offering more accessible, affordable, and relevant information technologies to support mass market needs Suggests practical recommendations and insights from world leaders, innovators, practitioners and new users of emergent technologies Challenges businesses to rethink their uses of existing technologies Technology at the Margins will be of interest to decision makers in the private, public and nonprofit sectors who are interested in opportunities offered by IT in meeting the needs of those at the base of the worlds economic pyramid.