The S&P 500 is on track for another year of double-digit gains, up 16% through Dec. 15. This would mark the third consecutive year of double-digit growth, with the index up 77.5% since the end of 2022. History shows that such streaks are rare but can lead to continued market surges.

Only three times since 1952 has the S&P 500 seen three straight years of double-digit gains. The most recent periods were during the dot-com boom of the 1990s and the AI-driven surge of the past three years. However, past performance is not indicative of future results, and market conditions can change rapidly.

The recent AI boom has been a major driver of the stock market surge, leading to significant gains in companies like Nvidia. While concerns about an AI bubble exist, industry leaders believe the momentum will continue due to increased adoption. Investors should consider the potential for continued growth in the AI sector.

While past market performance can provide insights, there are no guarantees in investing. Factors like interest rates, economic strength, and corporate profits will impact stock market performance in 2026. Valuations are high, and sustaining double-digit gains will become more challenging as the streak continues.

Investors considering the S&P 500 should note that it’s not among the top 10 stocks identified by the Motley Fool Stock Advisor team. The team’s track record of outperforming the market highlights the potential for significant returns with their stock picks. Individual investors seeking growth opportunities should explore these recommendations.

Read more at NASDAQ: The Stock Market Is About To Do Something It’s Only Done Three Times Since the Postwar Era. History Says This Is What Happens in 2026