![2025 Upgrade Sunshade Roof for Tesla Model Y 2025-2020 [No-Gap/Sag-Free] Middle Magnetic…](https://techcratic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/71R8ffS56JL._AC_SL1500_-360x180.jpg)
![What’s Love Got to Do with It? [DVD]](https://techcratic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/613spL-JdqL._SL1165_-360x180.jpg)
Marcus Lu
2025-05-02 10:26:00
www.visualcapitalist.com
2025 Marks the 5th Worst Start to a Year in S&P 500 History
This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
Key Takeaways
- 2025 ranks as the fifth worst start to a year for the S&P 500 index
- Through the first 73 trading days, the index fell by 10.2% due to Trump’s renewed tariff threats
The stock market’s rocky start to 2025 has investors questioning how it stacks up in history. After 73 trading days, the S&P 500 is down enough to mark the fifth worst start to a year for the S&P 500 since the index was created.
This places 2025 alongside other turbulent years marked by recessions, financial crises, and global uncertainty. In this graphic, we rank the worst starts in S&P 500 history, while also showing how the market performed in the months that followed.
Data & Discussion
The data we used to create this graphic comes from YCharts, sourced from the blog of Charlie Bilello.
| Rank | Year | Price Return (First 73 Trading Days) |
Price Return (Day 74 to Year-End) |
Price Return (Full Calendar Year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1932 | -24.6% | 13.1% | -14.8% |
| 2 | 1939 | -18.9% | 16.9% | -5.2% |
| 3 | 2020 | -13.3% | 34.2% | 16.3% |
| 4 | 1942 | -11.4% | 26.9% | 12.4% |
| 5 | 2025 | -10.2% | — | — |
| 6 | 2001 | -9.7% | -3.7% | -13.0% |
| 7 | 1941 | -9.4% | -9.4% | -17.9% |
| 8 | 2022 | -7.9% | -12.6% | -19.4% |
| 9 | 2000 | -7.7% | -2.7% | -10.1% |
| 10 | 1953 | -7.3% | 0.8% | -6.6% |
| 11 | 2008 | -7.1% | -34.7% | -39.3% |
| 12 | 1970 | -6.7% | 7.2% | 0.0% |
| 13 | 1947 | -6.6% | 7.1% | 0.0% |
| 14 | 1977 | -6.0% | -5.9% | -11.5% |
| 15 | 1960 | -5.8% | 3.0% | -3.0% |
| 16 | 1973 | -5.6% | -12.5% | -17.4% |
| 17 | 2005 | -5.4% | 8.9% | 3.0% |
| 18 | 1962 | -5.1% | -7.1% | -11.8% |
| 19 | 1980 | -4.9% | 31.9% | 25.4% |
| 20 | 1982 | -4.7% | 20.1% | 14.5% |
Let’s take a closer look at the five worst years from this dataset.
1932: The Great Depression
The worst start to a year for the S&P 500 came in 1932, during the Great Depression. This period was marked by widespread bank failures, high unemployment, and collapsing industrial production. Although the market fell 24.6% in the first 73 trading days, it managed a modest rebound later in the year, ending with a -14.8% calendar year return.
1939: The Brink of World War II
In 1939, markets tumbled as geopolitical tensions escalated into the outbreak of World War II. Once again, the S&P 500 rebounded, managing to end the calendar year with a less severe -5.2% return.
2020: COVID-19 Pandemic
2020 was the third worst start to a year for the S&P 500 due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 and introduction of public lockdowns. This year can also be considered an outlier, as unprecedented stimulus measures and a tech rally fueled a massive comeback for the stock market.
1942: World War II Uncertainty
Uncertainty around World War II’s outcome weighed heavily on investor sentiment. Optimism improved mid-year as the Allies gained momentum, driving a strong market rebound by year-end. Similar to 2020, 1942 ended the year with a positive double-digit return.
2025: Trump Tariff Uncertainty
The S&P 500’s initial decline of 10.2% in 2025 was largely the result of escalating tariff threats and trade war fears. The year could still end in the green, however, as Trump’s stance on tariffs appears to be softening.
For context, the majority of institutions predicted that in 2025, the S&P 500 would see a 10-15% return. As of May 1, 2025, the S&P 500 has recovered from its low of 4,982.77 and is currently trading at 5,604.14 (down 4.7% year-to-date).
See More Data Visualizations on the Voronoi App 
If you want to learn more about the stock market, check out this graphic ranking the most volatile trading days in S&P 500 history.
Keep your files stored safely and securely with the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD. With over 69,505 ratings and an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars, this product has been purchased over 8K+ times in the past month. At only $129.99, this Amazon’s Choice product is a must-have for secure file storage.
Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256-bit AES hardware encryption. Order now for just $129.99 on Amazon!
Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support
If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.
As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!
|
BITCOIN
bc1qlszw7elx2qahjwvaryh0tkgg8y68enw30gpvge Scan the QR code with your crypto wallet app |
|
DOGECOIN
D64GwvvYQxFXYyan3oQCrmWfidf6T3JpBA Scan the QR code with your crypto wallet app |
|
ETHEREUM
0xe9BC980DF3d985730dA827996B43E4A62CCBAA7a Scan the QR code with your crypto wallet app |
Please read the Privacy and Security Disclaimer on how Techcratic handles your support.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, Techcratic may earn from qualifying purchases.
