We recently received a request to look into the length of time it has been since we had a one-day 2% decline on the S&P 500. It has now been 928 days since the S&P 500 had a one-day 2% decline. The last one was on May 19, 2003 when the Index fell 2.49% on the day. This is the longest streak of its kind for as far back as we can download daily prices. Not that we're superstitious, but knock on wood.
Your chart for the S&P 500 (2% declines) is slightly misleading. To the unaided eye, each peak appears to be on a triangle, which would be wrong. One can see, by maintaining 90 degree angles, that the peaks are followed by instantaneous drops to zero. So, to plot values for a vertical line is wrong-there are NO values to plot. Unfortunately, almost all software "connects the dots." I believe that I had one application which allowed the choice to connect, or not connect.
Posted by: C. E. Miller, MIT Retired | January 27, 2007 at 07:51 PM
To the unaided eye, each peak appears to be on a triangle, which would be wrong.
Retired? Get some reading glasses. :-)
Posted by: | January 28, 2007 at 01:58 AM
What about 2% moves to upside?
Posted by: Jim Brophy | January 29, 2007 at 11:48 AM
This is an older post but you should have seen 2008. It was a rough patch for everyone. Having said that, I just found your typepad blog and I must say that it's outstanding. You guys have a lot of great financial information. Since I didn't know about it 2 hours ago, it's a real hidden gem for me.
Thanks,
Jen!
Posted by: USA futures | August 21, 2011 at 06:18 PM