We’ve already seen 437 days where the S&P 500 moved ±1% in the 2020s — and the decade’s only halfway done.
Here’s the chart:
Let's break down what the chart shows:
The blue bars is theS&P 500 ±1% days by decade.
The gray bar is the average S&P 500 ±1% days by decade.
The red bar is the S&P 500 ±1% days in the 2020s.
The Takeaway:
To put that in perspective, the average full decade — from the 1950s through to the 2010s — logged around 504 of these big-swing days. We’re already at 437, and there’s still nearly five years to go.
At this pace, the 2020s are set to become the most volatile decade in modern market history.
Not because of one-off shocks or extreme crashes — but because of the sheer frequency of large daily moves.
Historically, that kind of volatility hasn’t ended well.
More swings usually mean more stress.
But the 2020s? So far, they’re bucking that trend.
Despite all the whiplash, the S&P 500 is up more than 80% since the start of 2020.
That’s better than most decades at the halfway mark — and it’s happened with one of the highest volatility profiles ever recorded.
It hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been strong.
Big moves aren’t going anywhere.
And neither is the need to stay nimble.
How are you positioning for a market that won’t sit still?
Grant Hawkridge | Chief Aussie Operator, All Star Charts
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