Since 1949, the S&P 500 has experienced 12 bull markets, including the current one. The average gain across those bull markets has been approximately 192%.
Some have been relatively short, while others have lasted for years. The bull market beginning in 1987 gained an extraordinary 582%, while the one beginning in 2009 delivered a 401% increase.
Our current bull market, with its 116% gain, remains below that historical average.
Does that mean we have another 76% to go? Absolutely not! Markets don't operate on schedules, and historical averages tell us very little about what will happen next.
What history does demonstrate, however, is that significant wealth has been created by investors who remained committed to their long-term strategies, even when the short-term environment was uncomfortable.
I have no idea where the stock market will be next month, six months from now, or even a year from now. And I'm always a little skeptical of anyone who claims they do!
What I do know is that successful investing has historically required a combination of a sound strategy, appropriate diversification, and a healthy dose of patience.
The next market correction isn't a question of if, but when. When it arrives, I hope you'll remember that volatility is not the opposite of long-term growth. More often than not, it's simply part of the journey.
As always, thank you for the trust you place in me. It's a privilege to help you navigate these markets and, more importantly, stay focused on the financial goals that matter most to you.