Stocks Sizzle Down Under

It's been really hot down under, and not just on Sydney's sandy beaches.

Australian and New Zealand stocks sizzled in 2004, posting a return nearly triple that of the S&P 500. Aussie gains were mostly powered by mining companies capitalizing on the global spike in commodity prices, as well as financial services companies taking advantage of the region's sublime economic conditions.

For more insight on Aussie stocks in 2005, TheStreet.com tracked down Steve Robinson, co-portfolio manager of the Aberdeen Australia Equity (IAF Quote) fund. Aberdeen Australia is a closed-end fund listed on the American Stock Exchange and is one of the few funds available dedicated to holding just Australian and New Zealand stocks. ...