
Founder & CEO of The Investors Academy
Roy Shavit
Table of Contents
H1 2024 Market Performance
The first half of 2024 ended on a high note with the S&P 500 posting an impressive 14.5% gain. To find out more on why, read our H1 market recap here. Historical data suggests that strong first-half performances could set the stage for a robust second half. Let’s look into the historical statistics and probabilities to understand what we may expect for the rest of the year.
H1 Return History (1950-2024)
A review of historical data from 1950 to 2024 shows that the average H1 return stands at 4.3%, while the average H2 return is slightly higher at 5.0%. However, H1 2024 has significantly outperformed these averages with a remarkable 14.5% return.
This substantial gain in the first half of the year is noteworthy, especially when considering the historical context. The average H1 return of 4.3% and H2 return of 5.0% suggest that the market typically performs moderately in the first half and slightly better in the second half. However, the exceptional performance in H1 2024 raises questions about what might be in store for the second half of the year.
Historical Probability of Positive H2
When the first half of the year posts a return greater than 10%, there is an 82.6% probability of a positive return in the second half. Conversely, the probability of a negative H2 after such a strong H1 is only 17.4%.

These probabilities are encouraging for investors who are hoping for continued gains in the latter half of 2024. The high probability of a positive H2 return following a robust H1 suggests that market momentum often carries over into the second half of the year. This historical trend provides a strong foundation for anticipating favorable market conditions in H2 2024.
Returns in H2 Following a Strong H1
Historical data indicates that following a first half return of more than 10%, the average return for the second half is 9.8%. In contrast, when H1 returns are less than 10%, the average H2 return drops to 4.0%.

This stark difference in average returns highlights the impact of a strong first half on the overall market performance. The nearly 10% average return in the second half following a strong H1 underscores the importance of momentum and investor sentiment. It suggests that a strong start to the year can significantly influence the trajectory of market returns in the latter half.
Historical Probability
The probability of an H1 return exceeding 10% is relatively low at 31%, while there is a 69% probability that H1 returns will be less than 10%.

Understanding these probabilities helps to contextualize the significance of H1 2024’s performance. With only a 31% chance of an H1 return exceeding 10%, the 14.5% gain seen in the first half of this year is a rare and notable event. This rarity adds weight to the historical trends and probabilities that suggest a favorable H2 outlook.
Median H1 & H2 Returns (1950-2024)
The median returns tell a similar story, with H1 median return at 5.0% and H2 median return slightly higher at 6.2%.

Median returns provide another layer of insight into historical market performance. The median H1 return of 5.0% and H2 return of 6.2% suggest that, on average, the market performs slightly better in the second half of the year. This reinforces the narrative that strong first-half performance often leads to continued gains in the latter half.
Conclusion
With H1 2024 delivering a stellar 14.5% gain, historical trends suggest a high probability of continued positive performance in H2. Investors should stay informed and consider these statistics when planning their strategies for the remainder of the year. The historical data presents a compelling case for optimism, with an 82.6% probability of a positive return in the second half following a strong first half. Additionally, the nearly 10% average return in H2 after a robust H1 provides further reason for confidence.
As always, while historical data can provide valuable insights, it’s essential to stay abreast of current market conditions and economic indicators. External factors such as geopolitical events, monetary policy changes, and economic data releases can also significantly influence market performance.
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Founder & CEO
Roy Shavit
Legal Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice, financial advice, or any other type of professional advice. The information presented is based on publicly available data and is intended to provide insights and analysis regarding the capital markets and its environment.
The author and The Investors Academy make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information, and it should not be relied upon as such. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Neither the author nor The Investors Academy shall be held responsible or liable for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on the information provided in this blog post. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Investors Academy or its affiliates.
Investing in securities involves risks, including the risk of losing principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Any forward-looking statements or projections are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.
By reading this blog post, you acknowledge and agree that the author and The Investors Academy are not liable for any decisions you make based on the information provided and that you are solely responsible for your own investment decisions.
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