10 Best Performing Stock Markets in Q3 2013

Wednesday, October 23, 2013 10:16 AM / The Analyst

1. Argentina MerVal (YTD): 98.38%

The Argentina Stock market had a positive YTD performance which has currently placed it as first among global exchanges. One of the factors pointed out is the outright government ban on buying dollars imposed by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchners government which has pushed locals towards different investments while the election of Pope Francis also make the index to rally sometimes in March. Source: Financial News. The Tell

2. Japan Nikkei 225 (YTD): 41.54%

The Prime ministers plan to reignite growth in the country looks to be succeeding as the Japanese market has one of the best performing equity indices. Japan has played a leading role in opening up many of these Asian markets, as part of a general trend for Japanese companies to look to overseas markets for the sort of growth opportunities not readily on offer in a stagnant home market. Source: The Allen & Overy

3. Nigerian Stock Exchange (YTD): 30.74%

Nigerian Stock Market ranked third on the list as it has so far recorded +30.74% YTD gains. This impressive performance represents a further consolidation on the positive outlook witnessed by the market as it closed the previous year with +35.45% gain. The key initiative and reforms being carried out by the Exchange represents one of the key factors contributing to the growth. Source: Proshare

4. US Nasdaq (YTD): 29.82%

U.S. equities continued to advance, but not without turbulence, particularly in the final week of the quarter, when investors were distracted by Washingtons budget debate and the threat of a government shutdown. Uncertainty about Federal Reserve policy also influenced equities throughout the quarter, until the S&P 500 Index surged to a record high following the Feds September announcement that it would postpone tapering for at least another month. Source: Putnam Investments

5. Spain Madrid General (YTD): 24.36%

The Spanish Market had a positive YTD performance which has currently placed it as fourth best among global exchanges but factors driving the market cannot be specifically.

6. US S&P 500 (YTD): 22.33%

The situation in Nasdaq also applies here as the S & P and Nasdaq are both traded in the US.

7. Swiss Market (YTD): 19.08%

Stock markets have been volatile over the year but Market conditions have continued to improve in recent times meaning overall good news in relation to companies’ balance sheets. The rise in pension fund assets has been a major contributory factor. Source: Towers Watson

8. France CAC 40 (YTD): 17.46%

Stocks in Europe, especially the largest eurozone markets, including Germany and France, posted excellent gains. Peripheral countries, including Greece and Spain, also surged. The region benefited from improving sentiment, better economic data, and signs that the protracted recession had ended. Europe still faces structural issues, and without further reforms and progress completing the banking union, the eurozone will likely struggle to maintain above-average trend growth. Source: T.Rowe Price

The situation in Nasdaq and S&P 500 also apply here as they are both traded in the US.

Stocks in Europe, especially the largest eurozone markets, including Germany and France, posted excellent gains. Peripheral countries, including Greece and Spain, also surged. The region benefited from improving sentiment, better economic data, and signs that the protracted recession had ended. Europe still faces structural issues, and without further reforms and progress completing the banking union, the eurozone will likely struggle to maintain above-average trend growth. Source: T.Rowe Price