International Stock Markets: World Stock Markets

Investors are always drawn to emerging markets, and often entire countries fit this classification. Most countries offer a Web based introduction to their major stock exchanges, with key information about the current status of stock and bond indexes, as well as exchange rates for their currency. In the U.S., the more comprehensive financial sites offer a guiding hand for those interested in expanding their investment strategy to include foreign markets.

The most user friendly pages recognize the value of education, and include some instructional sections. The world of international finance can be pretty intimidating without some guidance, and a little basic information makes the newcomer a lot more comfortable. If you're already a pro, some sites allow you to personalize the experience and tap into charts and research that will have you up to the moment on your favorite overseas picks.

Whatever your skill level, domestic stock watch sites and foreign exchange mainpages carry all the latest information you need to make informed investment decisions. A few, as an added bonus, include stock picking simulators and trading games where you can pick up some practice before you enter the arena with your hard earned money. Thanks to the Web, Indonesia's JSX index or Japan's Nikkei are only a point and a click away.