The S&P 500 is up about 12%. The typical stock isn't.
The index and the median stock have told very different stories in 2026, and Oct 16's AI selloff showed why that gap matters.
If you only read the headline, this year looks like a good one for U.S. stocks. The S&P 500 closed Oct 16, 2026 at 7,659.44. Based on year-to-date figures through Oct 15 of about 13.2% on price alone, and a 1.09% drop on Oct 16, the index is up roughly 12% for 2026 on a price basis. Add dividends and the number runs a couple of points higher.
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Already subscribed? Enter your email above to unlock this browser.General market information for educational purposes — not investment advice. Figures come from the linked sources.