The S&P 500 is on track to book a low double-digit gain for the year.
However, U.S. stock market returns are nothing compared to returns seen in some overseas markets.
Some obscure markets benefited from some world-class upgrades. Others got juiced by inflation.
Though the list is dominated by Asian and African stock markets, one South American exchange blew away the rest of the world.
All year-to-date returns data is from Bloomberg through December 28..
10. Philippines PSE: 33.0%
The Philippine economy is growing at a healthy 5.5 percent rate. It's stock market has taken steps to become more world class, including extending its trading hours.
Jun Calaycay, investment analyst at Accord Capital says the PSE is cheap relative to other neighboring Asian markets: its trading value is 73 percent of GDP, which compares favorably to Singapore's 128 percent and Hong Kong's 365 percent.
Source: Manila Times
9. Nigerian Stock Exchange: 34.4%
This stock market absolutely blew by expectations. At the beginning of the year, analysts from three of the top investment banks projected a YTD return of under 15 percent. The introduction of market-making in mid-September helped stimulate the market and reduce volatility.
Source: All Africa
8. Laos Composite: 35.1%
This exchange, which features just two stocks, will soon introduce online trading to increase liquidity and volumes. Amazingly, Laos has achieved superior growth despite a minuscule amount of foreign direct investment -- only $450 million (USD).
Sources: Bloomberg, Emerging Frontiers Blog
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