Download U.S. Stock Market and Economic Contractions

U.S. Stock Market and Economic Contractions
This chart shows the growth of
the U.S. stock market (based
on the total returns of the S&P
500) versus the ten economic
contractions that have
occurred since 1950. As you
can see, while the market has
lagged its average returns both
prior to and during
recessionary periods, it has
rebounded significantly
following the end of a
contraction.
Shows the growth of the U.S. stock market vs. economic contractions.
Source: ChartSource®, McGraw-Hill Financial Communications. For the period from January 1, 1950, through December 31, 2010.
U.S. stocks are represented by Standard & Poor's Composite Index of 500 Stocks, an unmanaged index that is generally considered
representative of the U.S. stock market. Economic contractions are as defined by the National Bureau for Economic Research. It is
not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Copyright © 2011, McGraw-Hill
Financial Communications. All rights reserved. Not responsible for any errors or omissions.