Investors missing the S&P 500’s 10 best days over 30 years saw returns cut by more than half, data shows.
An initial $100,000 investment in the S&P 500 from 1995 to 2025 grew to $1.9 million with dividends reinvested. However, missing just the index’s 10 best single-day gains reduced the total to $855,000, Invesco data reveals.
The S&P 500 and related ETFs like VOO and SPY hover near record highs, testing investor resolve amid fears of a correction. Historical data underscores the cost of sitting out during rallies, even when valuations appear stretched.
Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, with persistent bullish trends defying expectations of a pullback. The risk of missing further gains outweighs short-term volatility concerns for long-term investors.