Abstract Long term memory effects in stock market indices that represent internationally diversified stocks are analyzed in this paper and the results are compared with the S&P 500 index. The Hurst exponent and the Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) technique are the tools used for this analysis. The financial time-series data of these indices are tested with the Normalized Truncated Levy Flight to check whether the evolution of these indices is explained by the TLF . Some features that seem to be specific for international indices are discovered and briefly discussed. In particular, a potential investor seems to be faced with new investment opportunities in emerging markets during and especially after a crisis.