Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Could timing the market generate better returns? In this episode of our Investing Myths series, we review a hypothetical $100,000 investment using S&P 500 Total Return Index data from YCharts for the 25-year period ending June 30, 2026. We compare remaining fully invested with hypothetical scenarios in which the market's 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 best-performing days were missed, and we also examine a scenario in which the investment was out of the market on the first trading day of each calendar year. In this historical sample, missing a small number of strong market days had a significant impact on long-term results.
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The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Steward Partners or its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided, nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult with a qualified financial, legal, or tax professional before making any financial decisions. Steward Partners, its affiliates, and its Wealth Advisors do not provide tax advice.
For informational and educational purposes only. This material is not investment, tax, or legal advice, a recommendation, or a forecast. The analysis presented is based on hypothetical illustrations using historical S&P 500 Total Return Index data obtained from YCharts for the 25-year period ending June 30, 2026. Historical observations are descriptive of the period studied only and should not be interpreted as forecasts, probabilities, predictions, or guarantees of future market performance. The hypothetical scenarios shown assume a $100,000 initial investment and illustrate the impact of being out of the market during specified periods, including missing the market's best-performing days. The best-performing market days can only be identified in hindsight and cannot be predicted in advance. Growth illustrations assume reinvestment of dividends and do not reflect advisory fees, transaction costs, taxes, or other expenses, which would reduce investor returns. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 large U.S. companies and cannot be invested in directly. Actual investor results will differ based on timing, investment selections, market conditions, fees, expenses, taxes, and individual circumstances.
Investment advisory services are offered through Steward Partners Investment Advisory, LLC (“SPIA”), an SEC-registered investment adviser. SPIA and Steward Partners Global Advisory, LLC are affiliates and collectively referred to as Steward Partners.
Could timing the market generate better returns? In this episode of our Investing Myths series, we review a hypothetical $100,000 investment using S&P 500 Total Return Index data from YCharts for the 25-year period ending June 30, 2026. We compare remaining fully invested with hypothetical scenarios in which the market's 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 best-performing days were missed, and we also examine a scenario in which the investment was out of the market on the first trading day of each calendar year. In this historical sample, missing a small number of strong market days had a significant impact on long-term results.
Schedule a call with us today at jazzwealth.com/chatwithjazz
The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Steward Partners or its affiliates. All opinions are subject to change without notice. Neither the information provided, nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult with a qualified financial, legal, or tax professional before making any financial decisions. Steward Partners, its affiliates, and its Wealth Advisors do not provide tax advice.
For informational and educational purposes only. This material is not investment, tax, or legal advice, a recommendation, or a forecast. The analysis presented is based on hypothetical illustrations using historical S&P 500 Total Return Index data obtained from YCharts for the 25-year period ending June 30, 2026. Historical observations are descriptive of the period studied only and should not be interpreted as forecasts, probabilities, predictions, or guarantees of future market performance. The hypothetical scenarios shown assume a $100,000 initial investment and illustrate the impact of being out of the market during specified periods, including missing the market's best-performing days. The best-performing market days can only be identified in hindsight and cannot be predicted in advance. Growth illustrations assume reinvestment of dividends and do not reflect advisory fees, transaction costs, taxes, or other expenses, which would reduce investor returns. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 large U.S. companies and cannot be invested in directly. Actual investor results will differ based on timing, investment selections, market conditions, fees, expenses, taxes, and individual circumstances.
Investment advisory services are offered through Steward Partners Investment Advisory, LLC (“SPIA”), an SEC-registered investment adviser. SPIA and Steward Partners Global Advisory, LLC are affiliates and collectively referred to as Steward Partners.


