An excellent analyses of the effects of EU enlargement on capital markets in the most advanced countries of Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. It also investigates the EU's impact on the interactions between Eastern and Western capital markets. The study is particularly useful for financial analysts, institutional investors and academic researchers who are interested in the economic and institutional developments of capital markets in CEE countries.

Addresses the challenge Hungary faces in overcoming threatening deficits in its current and fiscal accounts without hampering economic growth. The Hungarian economy is emerging from a severe four-year recession with positive developments on numerous economic fronts, but with major weaknesses remaining because of large current and fiscal account deficits. This book addresses the challenge Hungary faces in overcoming these deficits without hampering economic growth. The report examines the country's macroeconomic performance in the first half of the 1990s and the stabilization package launched in March 1995. It explores the structure of fiscal revenues, pension reform, and enterprise and banking reforms. The study also looks at the impact of structural reforms on future economic growth and at Hungary's bid to integrate with the European Union.

This book charts the process of financial market reform in Central and Eastern Europe. Topics discussed will include the implications of future EU membership, and the strategies pursued by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

A major element of the transition from planned to market economies in Eastern Europe will be the formation of capital markets - banks, stock exchanges, insurance companies, etc. This book examines all aspects of these markets and analyzes the implications and likely developments.

Financial industries in central, eastern and south-eastern Europe have undergone dramatic changes over the past decade. Foreign direct investment contributed to the development of market-oriented banking and financial systems able to support the rapid pace of economic growth in these countries. Policymakers, academics and private sector analysts have contributed to this volume with their stimulating insights on a broad range of issues, from recent credit booms to the cross-border integration of banking and capital markets. Anyone who wants to understand how finance, growth and financial stability interact in transition economies should read this book. Mario Draghi, Governor of the Banca d Italia and Chairman of the Financial Stability Forum This book highlights the achievements and challenges of the ongoing process of financial integration in Europe. The financial integration of Europe is both welcomed as an economic driving force and watched with concern as a source of potential stability. After all, changing financial, regulatory and corporate ownership structures are fuelling competition, capital mobility and financial intermediation, but at the same time creating new systemic risks. With a special focus on Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the contributors to this book explore a wide spectrum of underlying issues, including the finance-growth nexus, credit boom patterns, the implications of foreign bank entry modes, lessons learned from old EU member states and commercial bank strategies. Authoritative views from central bank officials and policymakers are complemented with a special focus on empirical and econometric evidence from academia as well as practical insights from key financial market players. This unique collection will be of great interest to economists and experts in the fields of financial markets and European integration from central, commercial and investment banks, governments, international organizations, universities and research institutes.

This book offers fresh insights into the economic development and financial markets of Southeastern and Central European countries. The first part analyses macroeconomic trends and monetary policy issues, while the second part explores the development of financial and insurance markets. With contributions covering topics such as regional and income inequalities, economic embeddedness, industrial competitiveness, entrepreneurship, financial integration, insurance markets, and other socio-economic aspects, it appeals to scholars in the field of economics and finance interested in the further economic development of the Balkans and Eastern European countries as well as to professionals in the financial and insurance sectors.