Contrasting Numbers: U.S. Stocks' Performance in 2023

While the S&P 500 index shows a 11.2% year-to-date gain, indicating a good year for US stocks, the median return for shares in the index has only risen 1.1% in 2023, compared to a median gain of 16.2% in 2014. The Russell 3000, representing 98% of American equities, has a negative 2.2% median return this year, despite a 11.3% year-to-date gain. The S&P 1500, covering 90% of US stocks, has a mere 0.1% median year-to-date return. Investors are hoping for a fourth quarter rally to alleviate the recent market selloff.