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The S&P 500 Index had a strong year in 2025, finishing up 17.88%, but the ride was anything but smooth. In the spring, the Index fell nearly 19%, largely because markets reacted poorly to President Donald Trump’s April announcement of a new tariff policy.
 
But interestingly, the best single day of the entire year happened on April 9, right in the middle of all that volatility. Missing just that one day would’ve slashed your full year return by more than half.
 

Most of 2025’s Best and Worst Days Were Close Together

infographic timeline

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Sources: DataTrek Research and Morningstar, 1/26.

Missing the Market’s Best Days in 2025 Was Costly
S&P 500 Index Average Annual Total Returns 

bar chart

Past performance does not guarantee future results. For illustrative purposes only. Investors cannot invest directly in indices. Data Sources: Ned Davis Research, Morningstar, and Hartford Funds, 1/26.

2025 Wasn’t an Anomaly: Penalties of Missing the Market’s Best Days
S&P 500 Index Average Annual Total Returns (1996-2025)

infographic bar chart

Past performance does not guarantee future results. For illustrative purposes only. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Data Sources: Ned Davis Research and Hartford Funds, 1/26.

Talk to your financial professional about how to help prepare your portfolio for volatility.

 

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. 

S&P 500 Index is a market capitalization-weighted price index composed of 500 widely held common stocks.

This material is provided for educational purposes only. This information has been prepared from sources believed reliable but the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. This material and/or its contents are current at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice.

This information should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to buy/sell any security or tax advice. In addition, it does not take into account the specific investment objectives, tax, and financial condition of any specific person. Investors should consult with their own financial professional for additional information.

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