Book excerpt: Provides data and analysis on US and international investment opportunities. Covers more than 40 countries, listing return data on all major asset categories and relating these returns to factors such as risk, marketability, taxation, and information costs. Numerous graphs, charts, and tables permit a quick comparison of investment choices. Information is also included on capital market wealth, inflation rates, asset allocation, venture capital, currencies and exchange rates, derivative securities, and future trends. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR