Global imbalances are defined. Several explanations for the development of large current account deficits and surpluses in key economies during the period after 1997 are discussed, including the saving-investment approach, the intertemporal approach, mercantilism and the Bretton Woods II...

Cross-border capital flows are expected to lead to increased international risk sharing by facilitating borrowing and lending in global financial markets. This paper examines risk-sharing outcomes of various types of capital flows (foreign direct investment, portfolio equity, debt, remittance,...