Asymmetric responses of foreign investors to fiscal stress

PurposeThe objective of the study is to investigate the dynamic relationship between fiscal stress (FS) shocks and foreign direct investment (FDI) in moderate FS developing countries spanning from 2000 to 2021. The paper seeks to identify dual-regime effects, exploring how FS shocks impact FDI differently in low-stress and high-stress environments.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs advanced econometric techniques to investigate the dynamic relationship between FS shocks and FDI in a sample of moderate FS developing countries spanning from 2000 to 2021. The analysis utilizes variance decomposition, impulse response functions, and a regime-switching vector autoregressive model to explore the nuanced interactions between FS and FDI attraction. These techniques allow for the identification of dual-regime effects, wherein FS shocks exhibit differing impacts on FDI depending on the prevailing stress environment.FindingsThe analysis reveals a dual-regime effect of FS shocks on FDI in the sample of moderate FS developing countries studied from 2000 to 2021. In low-stress regimes, FS shocks initially have a positive impact on FDI, suggesting potential investment opportunities. However, in high-stress regimes, the effect reverses, resulting in a negative impact on FDI attraction. Moreover, the study highlights the asymmetric nature of this relationship, with the adverse effects of FS on FDI intensifying over time in high-stress environments.Originality/valuePrevious studies focused mainly on a country's fiscal position and its impact on FDI or capital inflows. This is the first study to assess how FS or fiscal pressure affects FDI.