International Economics and Finance Journal (IEFJ) is a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal devoted to publishing high-quality empirical, theoretical and policy oriented contributions with a focus on international economics and finance. With a broad readership encompassing major research universities, smaller universities, national and corporate treasuries, central and investment banks, and international organizations worldwide International Economics and Finance Journal encourages the submission of articles in the following areas: • International trade theory and trade policies; • Monetary and fiscal policies in open economies; • Technological dynamics and growth; • Globalization and regional integration; • International factor movements, • Multinational corporations; • International business; • International finance; • Currency systems and exchange rates; • Financial economics; • Transition economies