Best stocks in April mostly from developed world

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The biggest-gaining stocks in April were mostly from developed countries, according to an analysis of stocks in Russell Investment Group's global indexes, released on Thursday.

A list of the top 100 stocks, based on total return, showed 80 of the top gainers were from developed countries, including 37 from the United States. Emerging markets had 20 stocks on the list, including 13 based in the "BRIC" countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China.

Only 15 were European, while the Asia-Pacific region had 43 stocks among the top gainers. Japan had 12 stocks and Australia had 10.

Leading sectors with top-performing stocks last month were consumer discretionary and financial services. Only seven energy stocks made the top 100.

The best-performing stock was International Greetings (INGR.L) which returned 169 percent. The stock, currently trading around 60 pence, is well below its 52-week high of 424 pence.

Of the 100 worst performing stocks, 51 were U.S. companies. Developed countries accounted for 91 of the worst performers, with the financial services sector accounting for 23.

(Reporting by Cal Mankowski; Editing by Dan Grebler)