Although portfolio funds account for only about 5 percent of the capitalization of emerging stock markets, these small infusions of capital, particularly foreign portfolio investment funds, have been responsible for jump starting the development of many of these markets. The main beneficiaries...

IFC has built up a hefty portfolio of debt and equity investments in leasing companies in emerging markets. Based on IFC's experience, the authors argue that leasing is an effective instrument for financing small firms' investments in equipment --especially in countries with weak collateral laws...