With another year in the books, an analysis of world stock markets tells something most of us probably wouldn't have guessed by just looking at our portfolios- it was a very good year. Of the 95 international markets we analyzed, only eight finished in the red, while the average return for all 95 was 37.4%. That's right 37.4%!
The US finished up a modest 3%, while politically unstable regions of the world had banner years (Pakistan up 305%, Kazakstan up 220%, Egypt up 131%, and Columbia up 118%). Even the Lebanese market doubled for the year. Interestingly, China which is supposed to be the hottest investment in the world, was down 11.01%. That trailed even Jamaica's 7% decline (no worries mon!). Will the US market's improvement catch up with the rest of the world next year, or will the bleeding of capital out of our country continue. Only time will tell, so good luck in the year ahead.