"Analyzing S&P 500 Stocks: Gains, Losses, Bargains, and Top Performers"

The US stock market has historically been more likely to finish the year up 20% or more than down on the year, with almost 6 out of every 10 years seeing gains in excess of 10%. However, large drawdowns also occur more often than some people assume, with an average intrayear drawdown of -16.4% since 1928. Investors should expect the possibility for both big gains and big losses, as the stock market is constantly toying with emotions.