The whole European Union is the largest and wealthiest economy in the world. Yet, political unrest and poor fundamentals keep investors at bay. Since 1999, the eurozone, the main monetary union, has worked to effectively foster trade in the face of political flux and economic reform.  The European Central Bank, composed of a president and the leaders of the national central banks, is in charge of regulating the eurozone.

Investors interested in Europe stocks could do well to bottom fish during a debt crisis if they have time to hold those equities long enough to see recovery and growth.