Data from Bespoke Investment Group shows that, since the 3/9/09 market low, the S&P 500 has experienced 20 declines of 5% or more but less than 20%, according to USA TODAY. The smallest pullback was 5.30% (8/31/11-9/9/11). The biggest drop reached 17.27% (7/7/11-8/8/11). In 2014, the S&P 500 posted 53 record closes. The index, however, also suffered four pullbacks ranging from 4% to 7%. The S&P 500 has not endured a 10% correction in more than three years. Historically, 10% sell-offs occur about every 18 months or so.
Thanks for reading, David Eckess
