Domestic stocks got off to a rough start in 2026, and the bears seem to remain in control as oil prices spike and massive layoffs in the tech sector have sparked fears that a recession is on the horizon.

But while most U.S. stocks are adrift, a select group of international stocks are putting up tremendous gains that defy recent headlines.

No stock is a sure thing, and the risks in these companies are particularly noteworthy given that many are tied to unique growth trends, commodity pricing or even the influence of government ownership. However, all are up big in the last 12 months, showing that the best international stocks to buy now can deliver regardless of the broader environment on Wall Street.