2004 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index

For the first time since 2000, a sizable majority (69%) of leading executives are more optimistic about the global economy, compared to only one in ten expressing more pessimism.

Helping spur likely future FDI, corporate investors see macroeconomic and political risks as less threatening and perceive greater profit opportunities, and reduced risk, in the world’s leading emerging markets. A fundamental shift in investor outlook and risk perception is underway, which could presage the return to positive growth in global FDI flows. Yet, a complicated mix of operational risks could undercut investors’ renewed interest in venturing overseas.