Investing in the S&P 500 offers a 10% average annual return, encompassing 500 major U.S. stocks. Historical data shows the S&P 500 had high variability but outperformed in the long run.

The NASDAQ-100 is widely followed as a measure mainly of the big tech and social media stocks that make up the index.

Lastly, I’ll analyze whether a third consecutive strong year for the S&P 500 is within the realm of historical possibilities. The table below breaks down S&P 500 yearly returns since 1950.

Below is a collection of 10 charts that tell the story of market and economic resiliency in 2024 — with all eyes set on 2025. It was a record-setting year on Wall Street, with the S&P 500 ...