S&P 500 marks four years since the current bull market began

what happened

Seeking Alpha reports that the S&P 500 is marking the fourth anniversary of its current bull market. On Oct. 12, 2022, the benchmark reached its final bear-market closing low at 3,577. Several years later, it stood at 7,811, representing a gain of nearly 120% and more than doubling its level.

The publication attributes the advance to resilient consumer spending and labor markets, which held up through years of inflation and interest-rate increases. Investors have also accepted higher premiums for future earnings, while strong results helped the S&P 500 post substantial double-digit earnings growth.

Artificial intelligence has been another major catalyst, supporting semiconductors, hyperscalers, power grids and utilities. MBI Deep Dives cited the global reach of technology and demand concentrated among a small group of companies, while Hugo Ferrer said deteriorating market breadth reflected higher rates rather than concerns about slower economic growth. Seeking Alpha is also polling readers on whether the S&P 500 bull market will continue through 2027.

why it matters

For markets, the anniversary highlights how resilient economic activity, earnings growth and AI-related demand have supported the index, while gains remain concentrated among companies capturing much of the sector’s profits.

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