Market declines — A little history

Stock market declines are a natural part of investing, but they’re also the last things most investors want to experience. Here is some historical background to help you put market declines in perspective.

Types and frequency of stock market declines

Declines have varied widely in intensity, length and frequency. While in the midst of one, it’s been nearly impossible to tell if you’re seeing a slight dip in the market or the beginning of a more prolonged correction.

The table below shows how frequently declines in the Dow Jones Industrial Average have occurred since 1900. As you can see, while declines have varied widely in intensity, length and frequency, they have also been somewhat regular events.

A history of declines
(1900 – June 2009)
Type of decline Average frequency1 Average length2 Last occurrence3 Last occurrence pre-March 2009
-5% or more About 3 times a year 48 days March 2009 March 2008
-10% or more About once a year 115 days March 2009 March 2008
-15% or more About once every 2 years 217 days March 2009 March 2008
-20% or more About once every 3-1/2 years 338 days March 2009 October 2002

Source: The unmanaged Dow Jones Industrial Average

1
Assumes 50% recovery of lost value except for the most recent decline (10/09/07 - 3/09/09), which has not yet recovered 50% but is included in the average
2
Measures market high to market low
3
Current market decline may not be over
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