This chart shows the annual returns and largest intra-year decline for the S&P 500 price index. The largest intra-year decline is measured as the steepest peak-to-trough decline for the index during the calendar year.
Talking Points
- This chart shows the performance of the stock market (bars) and the largest intra-year decline (dots) each year.
- The average year sees a stock market drop of -13.5%. However, most years still end in positive territory, averaging 9% gains.
- Volatility is a normal part of investing and investors are often rewarded for staying disciplined through short-term volatility.