International Finance
Candlefocus EditorThe Bretton Woods system is a system of regional economic cooperation that was created to establish the post-World War II international monetary system. The Bretton Woods Conference was attended by representatives from more than 40 nations in July 1944, and it resulted in agreements to standardize exchange rates and monetary policy, such as the creation of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This cooperative initiative has been successful in increasing international economic cooperation, reducing poverty and instability, and encouraging economic growth around the world.
International finance is also integral to the success of multinational corporations, with the modern jigsaw of financial, political and legal regulations needing to be carefully navigated. For example, problems such as the complex risks associated with foreign currency were addressed by firms who ventured into the international marketplace. Companies, governments, international organizations and individual investors can profitability invest in multiple locations by balancing risk and return.
The integration of international capital markets has also regularized the creation, trade and use of capital. For example, the spread of technology and communication resources has enabled instantaneous financial transactions on a global scale in an efficient and cost-effective way. This level of integration has enabled entities to borrow funds, exchange currency and invest in foreign markets like never before.
Increased globalization in the current period has amplified the importance of international finance even further and several global events such as the 2008 financial crisis have highlighted the need to have a better understanding of how economic and financial systems operate across different regions and countries. With this in mind, international finance and its associated topics continue to gain significance for both large corporations and individual investors.