We first illustrate that emerging markets (EMs) face a shortage of financial assets, with financial assets not growing as rapidly as domestic savings. We then estimate the asset shortage in EMs for 1995-2008. We develop a model that explains how asset shortage develop, and then econometrically estimate the causes of asset shortages. We conclude with policy implications.

We assess econometrically the impact of asset shortages on economic growth, asset bubbles, the probability of a crisis, and the current account for a group of 41 Emerging markets for 1995-2008. The econometric estimations confirm that asset shortages pose a serious danger to EMs in terms of reducing economic growth, raising the probability of a crisis, and leading to asset price bubbles. Moreover, asset shortages can also explain the current account positions of EMs. The findings suggest that the consequences of asset shortages for macroeconomic stability are significant, and must be tackled urgently. We conclude with policy implications.

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.

The essays in this volume analyze causes of financial crises in emerging markets and different policy responses.

This volume brings together market practitioners, policymakers, development specialists, and academics from developed and emerging market countries to examine the underlying causes of the Asian financial crisis and ways of preventing future crises in emerging markets. Contents of the volume include: •"The Asian Crisis: Causes and Consequences" by Richard Cooper, Harvard University •"A Closer Look at Equity Flows to Emerging Markets" by Michael Barth, Capital Markets Development Department, The World Bank, and Konstantinos Tsatsaronis, Monetary and Economic Department, Bank for International Settlements •"Corporate Governance and the Treatment of Minority Shareholders," by Kenneth Scott, Stanford Law School •"Foreign Investment in Asia" by Jarrod Wilcox, PanAgora Asset Management •"The Future of Emerging Markets Investing" by Michael Adler, Columbia Graduate School of Business •"Lessons of the Asian Crisis for Latin America" by Sebastian Edwards, University of California at Los Angeles •"Global Capital Markets: What Do They Mean?" by Ian Giddy, Stern School of Business, New York University Copublished with the World Bank

The global economy has experienced four waves of rapid debt accumulation over the past 50 years. The first three debt waves ended with financial crises in many emerging market and developing economies. During the current wave, which started in 2010, the increase in debt in these economies has already been larger, faster, and broader-based than in the previous three waves. Current low interest rates mitigate some of the risks associated with high debt. However, emerging market and developing economies are also confronted by weak growth prospects, mounting vulnerabilities, and elevated global risks. A menu of policy options is available to reduce the likelihood that the current debt wave will end in crisis and, if crises do take place, will alleviate their impact.

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.