This paper analyzes the international reserve-holding behavior of developing countries. It shows that efficiency and political-economy considerations pull in opposite directions in determining a country's optimal reserve holdings. A country characterized by volatile output, inelastic demand for...

This paper examines the impact of uncertainty on the profitability of vertical and horizontal foreign direct investment (FDI). Vertical FDI takes place when the multinational fragments the production process internationally, locating each stage of production in the country where it can be done...

This paper shows that uncertainty about an emerging market's international reserves can affect the willingness of foreign investors to supply international credits. We illustrate the relevance of this concern for South Korea. Uncertainty has asymmetric effects. When the expected reserve position...

This paper explores econometric and theoretical interpretations for the relatively high demand for international reserves by countries in the Far East and the relatively low demand by some other developing countries. Using a sample of about 125 developing countries, we show that reserve holdings...