Current Bull Market 2nd Strongest Rise in History

“Bull markets are born on pessimism, grow on skepticism, mature on optimism and die on euphoria.” Sir John Templeton.

At Friday’s close of 2500, the Standard & Poor’s 500 index made a new all-time high and also capped its second strongest rise in history, up nearly 270%, eclipsing the 1949 – 1956 bull’s 267% rise, according to Bespoke Investment Group.  The current rally – which began on March 9, 2009 – had already pulled into second place for longevity in April 2016, and has now lasted 3,112 days without a bear market, defined as a 20% drop.  But first place is a long way off:  The famous 1987 – 2001 rally logged 4,494 days and a 582% rise.