What factors are responsible for the recent surge in international portfolio investment (IPI)?

Answer:  The recent surge in international portfolio investments denotes the globalization of financial markets. Particularly, several countries have liberalized and deregulated their capital and foreign exchange markets in current years. Additionally, commercial and investment banks have facilitated international investments by introducing such type of products as American Depository Receipts abbreviated as ADRs and country funds. As well, recent advancements in computer and telecommunication technologies led to a main reduction in transaction and information costs related with international investments. Additionally, investors might have become much more aware of the potential gains from international investments.