2013 was one of the best years for investors with ¾ of shares recording a rise, at an average increase of 42%.

S&P 500 rose by 30% continuing this year with +12%, but 2014’s investor traps were many, according to Bloomberg.

For example, those who were placed in energy shares were trapped by the strong drop in oil prices. Problems also arose who relied on Russia or other eastern European countries, as the ruble went on a freefall.

Many investors panic-sold during January, October and December and then lost the rebounding market opportunities.

2014 is on its way out and Bloomberg gathered the best and worst in the investment year.

The best performance recorded in large cap US equities were Skyworks Solutions (+156%), and Sprint was the worst with -61%. In funds, the best was Matthews India Fund with +59% profit and the worst was Fidelity Select Energy Service Portfolio with losses of 22% within 2014.

The data from Bond Funds show Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury Index Fund as the clear winner at 45% while the worst was AllianceBernstein All Market Real Return Portfolio at -11%.

In terms of freights, 2014 was the year of “coffee” after the price rose by 58%. On the contrary, crude oil recorded the worst performance with a decrease of 45%.