After years of underperformance, global equities are making a strong comeback in 2025. With investors pulling money out of the U.S. and international markets booming, the global financial landscape is shifting.
Every week at VC+, we release a Special Dispatch, giving members a visual deep dive into the trending topics that matter. This week, we offer an exclusive visual guide to the evolving global financial marketplace, with analysis that includes:
The performance of global equity ETFs
Which countries have the most billion-dollar companies
The biggest stock markets and financial centers of the world
And much more inside.
This Special Dispatch is exclusive to VC+ members but you can access the full breakdown by joining VC+ today.
For now, read on for a sneak preview.
Preview: How Global Equity ETFs Have Performed in 2025
While U.S. equities rank among the worst performing markets so far in 2025—hovering near 0% returns—a stunning 29 markets globally have seen double-digit performance. We take a look at which countries are making the most gains.
Preview: The World’s Biggest Stock Exchanges
The 15 largest stock exchanges in the world covering 95% of global trading activity—we explore which stock exchanges are hot on the heels of the NYSE and Nasdaq. Hint: most of them are in Asia.
Preview: The World’s Top Financial Centers
Following New York and London, Hong Kong has long been considered the third-most important financial center, with its rise tracing back to the 1970s. This is changing quickly in recent years—which cities are increasing their stature as global financial hubs?
To see the above charts in their full glory, and much more, join VC+ and unlock a whole host of members only benefits.
What Else Do VC+ Members Get?
If you enjoy Visual Capitalist, you’ll love our premium subscription: VC+. As a member, you’ll get exclusive access to:
- Special Dispatches: Weekly visual briefings on crucial reports and global trends
- Markets This Month: A snappy summary of the state of the markets, every month
- The Trendline: Weekly curation of the best visualizations from across the globe, handpicked by the Visual Capitalist editorial team
- Global Forecast Series: Our flagship annual report that covers everything you need to know related to the economy, markets, geopolitics, and the latest tech trends
- VC+ Archive: Hundreds of previously released VC+ briefings and reports that you’ve been missing out on, all in one dedicated hub
- Visual Capitalist Ad-Free: Complimentary Ad-Free access (worth $23.99/year)
