The U.S. Stock Market Just Did Something It May Never Do Again

Between 2019 and 2021, the S&P 500 did something it hadn't done in over 20 years and may never do again: It doubled. For reference, the only three-year time periods the S&P 500 had a higher total return were between 1995 and 1997, 1996 to 1998, and 1997 to 1999, when it produced a total return of 126%, 111%, and 108%, respectively.

Coming close to a record is one thing. Doing it during a period that was mainly spent in a global pandemic is quite another. The average long-term annual return in the S&P 500 is around 8%. Doubling your money by historical averages would take roughly nine years. So the three-period we just witnessed is truly remarkable.

Here are some catalysts that helped the stock market make history, as well as why it could be challenging to match this performance going forward.

Source Fool.com