WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 16 -- Analyzing emerging stock markets will now be faster and easier with the introduction of new Windows-based software from the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) Emerging Markets Data Base. The Emerging Markets Data Base (EMDB) is the world's premier source for comprehensive information on stock markets in emerging economies. EMDB tracks over 1,600 individual stocks in 26 emerging markets, calculating price and total return indexes for each market. The data base also makes available investable indexes that take into account restrictions on foreign ownership, along with 32 industry indexes. The new Windows-based software allows investors to retrieve directly and quickly EMDB's wide array of stock market information. By accessing a computer bulletin board in Washington, D.C., users can manipulate emerging stock market data directly and tailor it to their needs by exporting it to a variety of formats, including Excel, Lotus, and ASCII. Graphs can be easily generated and printed f
or any combination of stocks, markets, and/or industry performances. EMDB's information services were previously available to subscribers only through faxes, computer disks, and publications. The Windows-based software will be added to EMDB's product line with no additional cost to subscribers. IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and is the largest multilateral source of equity and loan financing for private sector projects in developing countries. (30)
