TR
EN
An evaluation of foreign direct ınvestments in emerging economies from the perspective of systematic risks
Abstract
The expansion of financial liberalization and the intensification of global capital mobility have enhanced the strategic role of foreign direct investment (FDI) as a fundamental driver of sustainable economic growth, particularly in emerging economies. Despite the recognized importance of FDI, investment decisions remain highly sensitive to systematic risk factors, such as political risk, interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates which cannot be eliminated through portfolio diversification. Although a substantial body of literature investigates the relationship between macroeconomic risk indicators and FDI inflows, empirical evidence remains fragmented and inconclusive, with most studies examining these determinants separately rather than within an integrated analytical framework. Addressing this gap, the present study aims to analyze the joint impact of key systematic risk elements on FDI inflows. The empirical analysis covers BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and MIST (Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Türkiye) countries over the period 2007–2022 and employs a panel data methodology to account for both cross-sectional heterogeneity and time dynamics. The findings reveal that political risk (measured inversely) and interest rates exert a statistically significant and positive influence on FDI inflows, whereas inflation and exchange rate variables do not demonstrate statistically robust effects. The positive association between interest rates and FDI diverges from studies emphasizing the cost-of-capital channel, suggesting instead that foreign investors with access to external financing may benefit from high domestic interest environments by gaining competitive advantages over local firms. Furthermore, the significance of political risk underscores the importance of institutional credibility and policy predictability in attracting long-term capital. By incorporating multiple systematic risk indicators into a unified econometric specification, the study contributes to the ongoing debate and offers policy implications for emerging economies seeking to enhance their investment climate.
Keywords
References
- Alshamsi, K. H., Rasid B. H. M., & Azam, M. (2015). The impact of inflation and GDP per capita on foreign direct investment: The case of United Arab Emirates. Investment Management and Financial Innovations, 12(3),132-141.
- Amuedo-Dorantes, C., & Susan, P. (2001). Foreign exchange rates and foreign direct investment in the United States. The International Trade Journal, 15(3), 323-343. https://doi.org/10.1080/088539001753228018
- Asaad, Z. (2014). The economic determinants of foreign direct investment inward to Iraq for period (2004-2011). Journal of University of Duhok, 17(1),192-207. Retrieved from: https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/id/eprint/103523
- Bakkal, H. (2023). Döviz kuru, petrol fiyatları ve doğrudan yabancı sermaye yatırımları arasındaki ilişki: G7 ülkeleri üzerine bir analiz. Erciyes Üniversitesi İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi, 65, 23-29. https://doi.org/10.18070/erciyesiibd.1209724
- Bilawal, M., et al. (2014). Impact of exchange rate on foreign direct investment in Pakistan. Advances in Economics and Business, 2(6), 223-231. https://doi.org/10.13189/aeb.2014.020602
- Boburmirzo, K., & Turanboyev, B. (2022). Exchange rate influence on foreign direct investment: Empirical evidence from CIS countries. International Journal of Management and Economics Fundamental, 2(4),19-28.
- Brzozowski, M. (2006). Exchange rate variability & foreign direct investment: consequences of EMU enlargement. Eastern European Economics, 44(1), 5-24. https://doi.org/10.2753/EEE0012-8755440101
- Canh, N. P., Binh, N. T., Thanh, S. D., & Schinckus, C. (2020). Determinants of foreign direct investment inflows: The role of economic policy uncertainty. International Economics, 161, 159–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inteco.2019.11.012
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Finance , Financial Forecast and Modelling
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
April 30, 2026
Submission Date
September 17, 2025
Acceptance Date
April 30, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 19 Number: 1