2025 In Review

At times, 2025 felt like an extraordinary year for stock investors. From tariff uncertainty to international tensions to drama at the Fed, 2025 felt like no other year before.

But in hindsight, 2025 was pretty ordinary. In fact, from a volatility perspective, there was nothing special about 2025 at all. 

The table shows that since 1928, Standard & Poor’s has, on average, experienced seven annual dips of over three percent. Through November, there have been exactly seven three percent dips so far.

In fact, through November, there were three drops of five percent and one drop of more than 20 percent. Both numbers generally line up with historical trends. 

In 2026, it’s best to be prepared for more volatility. At times, you might think, “This is overwhelming and too hard to handle.” And when you’re in the throes of it, it can be easy to have your emotions take over. 

Take a minute to print out this chart and pin it to your wall. Take a look at it when prices start to wiggle in 2026. It might help when you’re ready to throw in the towel.

^{Carson Investment Research, 2024}