2008 Returns by Country and Unique Select Sector

The 2008 Stock Market returns were generally a painful exercise in precipitous declines, volatility, and unforeseen high correlation that defied conventional wisdom. When the investing experts cited the "de-linking" that was forming between the US and other global markets, the exportation of our credit malaise became evident; so much so, that the U.S. was actually at the top end of global performers for 2008 even though much of the current global crisis stemmed from the US housing (note, you'll soon be able to trade on the US Case-Shiller housing index) and derivatives collapse and the subsequent credit crunch.

It is interesting to take a look back at what the major markets returned throughout the year, what's in store for 2009, and additionally, to consider some new ETFs that you probably aren't all that familiar with.

2008 Global Stock Market Return Graph:

click to enlarge

2008 Global Stock Market Return by Countries and Tickers:

• Israel [[EIS]] -39%
• United States SPY -39%
• Mexico [[EWW]] -43%
• South Africa [[EZA]] -43%
• Canada [[EWC]] -46%
• France EWQ -46%
• Germany [[EWG]] -46%
• Untd. Kingdom [[EWU]] -50%
• MSCI Emerging Index EEM -51%
• Australia [[EWA]] -52%
• China EWH -52%
• Brazil EWZ -57%
• South Korea EWY -57%
• BRIC Index [[BKF]] -58%

Now, for some select Sector ETFs that are rather unique (prior posts on some niche ETFs and returns here):

• Claymore/Clear Global Timber CUT -50%
• Claymore/Robb Global Luxury Index ROB -52%
• First Trust ISE Chindia FNI -58%
• First Trust ISE Global Wind Energy FAN -60%
• First Trust ISE Water Index Fund FIW -30%
• iShares KLD 400 Social Index Fund [[DSI]] -37%
• Market Vectors Gaming ETF [[BJK]] -58%

For those seeking a leveraged return, of course, there are now 2x and 3x leveraged ETFs for several sectors and indices which can be combined nicely with various financial models for a hedged return.