The global stock markets in 2025 have produced some surprising performance winners, especially outside the USA. Despite global crises and trade conflicts, many exchanges are seeing significant price gains, with European countries benefiting particularly strongly.
Leading Performance Countries
The USA is no longer at the top of the yield rankings in 2025. Instead, countries such as Greece, Poland, and the Czech Republic lead the list of the best stock market performances.
- Greece is at the top with an increase of nearly 60% since the beginning of the year. The recovery is driven by economic improvements, banking reforms, and a strong tourism sector.
- Poland follows with about 56% price growth.
- The Czech Republic records around 52% growth.
Overall, eight of the ten best performers are from Europe, including Spain, Italy, and Germany.
Causes of the Development
This development is facilitated, among other things, by the global trade war initiated by the USA, which acts as a catalyst for the above-average performance outside the USA. In contrast, US stock markets have developed weaker due to political uncertainties. Nevertheless, there was a recovery in the second quarter among the major US technology stocks, known as the “Fantastic Seven,” with returns of about 18.6%. However, this recovery does not come close to the top returns in Europe.
Recommendations for Investors
This means for private investors that those who are banking on high returns in 2025 should increasingly look at European markets. In the long term, global equity investments remain attractive with expected average returns of about 6% per year, despite short-term volatility.
Summary of Market Performance
| Region/Country | Return (approx.) | Reasons/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Greece | ~60% | Economic recovery, banking reforms, tourism |
| Poland | ~56% | Strong economic dynamics |
| Czech Republic | ~52% | Solid market performance |
| Other EU Countries | >20% | Spain, Italy, Germany also strong |
| USA | Weaker | Political uncertainties hinder growth |
This development clearly shows that European markets currently offer particularly attractive opportunities for yield enhancement – an important trend shift compared to previous years in favor of the USA.