Here’s a fun fact: Since 1885, the S&P 500 has historically performed the best in years ending in “5.” Strange, right? But it’s true!
This week’s chart breaks down the average (median) return for each year of a decade, and the standout is clear—years ending in “5” average over 20% returns. They’re also the most consistent, with a 92% positive hit rate.
So, what’s the deal with “5”? Honestly, no one knows. It’s a bit of a statistical mystery. But with over a century’s worth of data (1885–2023) backing it up, it’s hard to ignore. Of course, there’s no guarantee 2025 will follow the trend, but history suggests it’s at least worth keeping an eye on!
This is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the primary basis for an investment decision. Consult an advisor for your personal situation.
Indices mentioned are unmanaged, do not incur fees, and cannot be invested into directly.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The S&P 500 Index, or Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 leading publicly traded companies in the U.S.