As 2010 winds down, it’s time for a refresher on performance perspective for the global equity markets. The general theme: year-to-date returns are strong. Equity indices around the world have posted respectable if not stellar returns in 2010 through November 19, depending on the benchmark. Unsurprisingly, there’s also a bull market among active equity managers claiming unusual degrees of skill in the dark art of stock picking. Some of the congratulatory chatter is legitimate, but the primary explanation is the bullish tailwind that’s been blowing this year.