The S&P 500 has seen gains of 15% or more for three years in a row only eight times since 1926. There’s no clear historical pattern on what happens in the fourth year. Investors should focus on significant trends. The index may finish 2025 with similar gains or experience a year-end meltdown or a powerful surge.

The S&P 500 has a history of delivering gains of at least 15% around half the time in its 100-year existence. However, achieving three consecutive years of such returns is rare, happening only eight times. The last time this occurred was between 2019 and 2021, with a bear market in 2022.

The index first achieved a three-year streak of gains over 15% between 1942 and 1944, followed by another in 1945. The next streak came between 1949 and 1951, continuing into 1952 before declining in 1953. The most recent streak was between 1995 and 1997, followed by the dot-com bubble burst in 1999.

If the S&P 500 finishes 2025 with a 15% gain, history offers no clear indication of what will happen in 2026. Regardless, focusing on the long-term trend of the index rising more than falling is crucial for investors. Buying and holding top stocks may pay off over time.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: The S&P 500 Is About to Do Something It’s Only Done 8 Times in 100 Years. Here’s What History Suggests Will Happen in 2026.