Foreign direct investment has never been more important in catalyzing growth, whether in the developed or developing world. Although equity markets around the world have largely recovered since the financial crisis, global capital flows have contracted sharply. The Milken Institute’s Global Opportunity Index, released today, provides policy makers and investors vital information on policies that can best attract foreign direct investment, expand economies and accelerate job creation.

The index is also a guide for countries seeking to improve their business environments and attract investors who commit long-term capital, rather than move it around as a fleeting portfolio tactic. The index ranks 136 countries across four broad categories: economic fundamentals, ease of doing business, quality of regulation, and rule of law.