NewsTradingSentimentCalendarCommunityBriefing
Markets LIVE

S&P 500 Sits 3% Below Record High as Investors Weigh Entry

By Markets Desk · 2026-09-18 · Updated 2026-09-18 19:15 UTC
A calm, expansive view of a modern city skyline at dusk with lights beginning to turn on in the windows
Illustration: Tradingbird

The S&P 500 remains 3% below its August peak, prompting debate over whether to buy now or wait for a dip. New data cited by GN stocks/sp500 suggests that entering near record highs has historically yielded better returns than waiting for a correction, challenging the common strategy of sitting in cash.

  • New analysis from GN stocks/sp500 highlights that buying the S&P 500 at record highs has historically outperformed random entry points, with an 88% success rate over the following year compared to the 83% average. The report argues that waiting for a correction often results in missed gains, as the index has delivered positive returns in most years despite frequent intrayear dips.

    Source: Yahoo Finance
  • The benchmark index trades 3% under its August peak. Historical data suggests buying near highs outperforms waiting for a dip.

    Source: fool.com
Based on reporting by fool.com and Yahoo Finance, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

More from the Markets desk

All desk stories