Global stocks tumbled this year as trade war fears and political uncertainty rocked markets

In the UK, retail was one of the worst-performing sectors, with Debenhams and Carpetright both ending the year with shares down more than 85 per cent

Global stocks climbed on the last day of 2018, but major indices around the world ended the year down after 12 months of volatility due to trade war fears and political uncertainty.

Markets were rocked by concerns about an escalating trade war between China and the US, with tensions rising every time the two states exchanged blows in the form of new tariffs on imports.

Chinese markets in particular had a tough year, turning in their worst performance in a decade.

Most markets have been boosted in recent trading sessions by a US rally at the end of last week, following the worst Christmas Eve performance in US stock market history.

The FTSE 100 edged up on Monday, but the market is still set closed out the year down by 12.5 per cent at 6,728.13, despite hitting record highs in May. It marks the first time the FTSE 100 closed the year down since 2015.

Meanwhile, the FTSE 250, which is more exposed to Brexit risks as it comprises more UK-focused companies, dropped almost 16 per cent over the year.

Among the UK companies who have had a successful 2018, Ocado leads the way, with its shares up 94 per cent over the year. The online grocery group inked several important deals in 2018, and the stock soared in May after the firm announced a new partnership with US chain Kroger, finally coming good on the promise of international expansion based on its delivery technology.

Gem Diamonds will finish 2018 up 60 per cent, after it discovered a record number of diamonds of more than 100 carats at its Letseng mine throughout the year.

And while cryptocurrency traders may have seen their investments drop this year, Plus500 is up more than 50 per cent off the back of bitcoin trading, which helped cushion the blow of new regulations on the online spreadbetting industry.

By contrast, retail was the biggest loser in UK markets this year, with Carpetright down 89 per cent and Debenhams sinking by 86 per cent.

These were relative success stories, however, when the number of firms that collapsed into administration is taken into account.

Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley stepped in to rescue several retailers, taking both House of Fraser and Evans Cycles off the hands of their administrators.