Many economists doubt the usefulness of foreign direct investment statistics for macroeconomic analysis. A new international standard, based on the restatement of intra-group loans, should soon come into force and provide more understandable data.

The international profits of the major French groups have substantially increased in recent years. Between 2008 and 2011, the proportion of profits generated by the foreign subsidiaries of France’s CAC 40 companies reached 60% of their aggregate net operating incomes, corresponding to a 10...

France’s direct investment flows drawn up according to the future international standards produce different results from those compiled using the current methodology. Inflows and outflows are on average EUR 30 billion lower from 1999 onwards and recent developments are signifi cantly altered.

Inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) in France are affected by economic fluctuations, resulting in large variations from one year to the next. Inward FDI flows from emerging countries are still minor. However, a new geographical breakdown shows that French groups account for a significant...

Since 2009, a new method has been used to estimate foreign direct investment equity stocks at market value. Its implementation has led to a substantial revision of France’s net FDI position, which remained broadly positive at 10% of GDP.

Like in 2006, the balance of payments for 2007 shows that the increase in resident banks’ international liabilities made it possible to cover the current account defi cit and the outfl ows related to direct and portfolio investment.

In 2006, the international resources of financial and monetary institutions covered the current account defi cits and the net outflows relative to direct and portfolio investment.

The outbreak of the financial crisis caused many banks worldwide to come under pressure, forcing them to rethink their business models. This analysis shows the shrinking of German banks' balance sheet items that are related to non-residents. It is illustrated that up to and into spring 2010 the...

This paper presents the primary institutions and economic policies that have led to Chile’s remarkable record of stability and growth over the past twenty years. The core of this policy stance is the combination of fiscal discipline and an open trade policy regime, together with carefully...