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The United Nations' 2008 World Investment Report states that developing and transition economies attracted nearly $600 million in foreign investment in 2007, a 25 percent increase from the previous year. Much of that money came from trans-national corporations, but much more is needed, particularly to shore up the infrastructure of these nations. The 411-page report analyzes trends in corporate giving as well as the roles of both the giver and the developing country.

Solving complex social problems can require breaking down the barriers of centuries-old political, social and ethnic conflicts. This article from Synergos explores the concept of bridging leadership as a method of bringing opposing groups and diverse leaders together for social change.

The downturn in the global real estate market ended over-performance and returned property values to more realistic, historic values. But lower prices can be a benefit for investors who had limited real estate holdings or were priced out of the market previously. This report from State Street Global Advisers explores potential opportunities in the current market.

Investors who are looking to reduce risk and increase investment returns may want to consider owning farmland, according to this article from AgraShares. Across the past 40 years, owning and leasing a farm produced an average annual rate of return of 11 percent, comparable to the rate of return from stocks.

Mortgage defaults and the ongoing credit crunch are a challenge, but they have created opportunity for investors in distressed debt. Indeed, 51 percent of the investors surveyed by Debtwire for Bracewell & Giuliani report that say they see bargains in distressed debt.

A new report from Fortigent makes the case for a core/satellite approach to investing. Such an approach, the report says, justifies increased use of passive strategies to capture cost- and tax-effectiveness, creates easy to understand buckets for active core and satellite managers, and helps investors create endowment-like portfolios.

While frontier markets have yet to be recognized as emerging economies, these countries often are emerging rather than stagnating and can provide diversification for global portfolios. This report from Frontier Market Asset Management examines the current state, potential and challenges of frontier markets ranging from Estonia to Zimbabwe.

Enviromental sustainability is shifting from an abstract philosophy to a mission for more corporations and private individuals. PricewaterhouseCoopers analyzes 57 industry sectors and 367 companies to identify leading companies and practices. The research points to a statistically significant correlation between corporate commitment to sustainability and positive financial performance.

A volatile financial market draws different responses from wealthy investors. While some increase their cash and property holdings, others switch financial advisors or become overly preoccupied with the performance of individual investments, which leads to over-trading. This report from Barclays Wealth explores how personality traits and cognitive biases can influence those decisions.

Adult children, who one day will manage a family's wealth, need to understand the values and investment strategies of older family members. This article from Northern Trust shows how a family's elder statesmen can pass on a family legacy of more than money to ensure continuity and financial security for future generations.