Investing abroad is no longer an option. It’s an investor necessity. Just look at 2007. Last year, the S&P 500 advanced a paltry 3.5% but Chinese stocks like China Eastern Airlines soared. Its NYSE-traded American Depositary Receipts climbed 348%. IShares Brazilian ETF gained 77%; Germany climbed 35%; Matthews India Fund was up 64%. The best-performing stock market in 2007? Peru, returning a staggering 86% gain.

But how do you know which international stocks and funds will prosper the most in 2008? To help you find the best international stocks, funds and ETFs for your capital Forbes resident expert on global investing, John Christy, CFA and editor of Forbes International Investment Report, recently created a new Special report, 8 Must-Own International Stocks & Funds for 2008. According to Christy, the handpicked selections included are poised for superior performance in the coming 12 months.