Stock Markets Are Doing Something They've Only Done Once Since the 1870s. Should You Be Worried?

分组1 - The S&P 500 has achieved double-digit gains for three consecutive years, with a 24.23% increase in 2023 and a 23.31% increase in 2024, leading to significant investment growth [1][2] - The market's strong performance is attributed to solid corporate earnings and advancements in artificial intelligence, with expectations for continued growth into 2026 [2][7] - The CAPE ratio, a measure of market valuation, reached about 40 in 2025, indicating that stocks are expensive and historically lower future returns may follow [5][6] 分组2 - Despite the high CAPE ratio, it does not guarantee an imminent market crash, but it serves as a caution for investors to focus on high-quality stocks [6][7] - The S&P 500's record highs have been driven by strong earnings and favorable economic conditions, but investors are advised to exercise caution and consider alternative investment opportunities [7][8] - Analysts have identified ten stocks that may outperform the S&P 500 Index, suggesting a shift in focus for potential high returns [8]