The British stock market has been one of the worst performing in the EU in the period April 2003 to April 2008, rising by less than half of the overall average, the Reuters reported.

Only Italy performed worse in the period. The main main stock market index in the country went up by 42% in the five-year period, or 7% a year.

The stock markets in the 27 EU member countries rose by an average of 118% over the past five years, or 17% a year.

Eastern Europe accounted for eight of the 10 EU countries with largest growth in stock prices since 2003.

Bulgaria toped the ranking with growth of 352% during the past five years, which represents an increase of more than six times compared to the growth of British stock prices.

Bulgaria is followed by Lithuania (309%), Romania (299%), Luxembourg (263%) and Austria (247%). Poland, the Czhech republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Estonia rounded out the top 10.