S&P 500 Index Shows Strong Long-Term Gains as Top Stocks Lead July Performance

Investors who stay invested in the S&P 500 over the long term have historically earned substantial returns. Over the past 30 years the index has risen about 1,890%, and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) now holds roughly $1.7 trillion in assets, making it the world’s largest ETF. Studies cited argue that market timing is ineffective and that consistent exposure, even during periods of high valuation or market volatility, delivers better outcomes than trying to time entry and exit points.

In July 2026 the S&P 500 posted a modest decline, marking its first negative July since 2014, as investors weighed Federal Reserve policy and mixed earnings. Despite the broader weakness, a handful of large‑cap companies outperformed. Cognizant Technology Solutions rose about 43% and Accenture about 33%, driven by strong earnings, raised guidance, and growing demand for AI‑related consulting and digital‑transformation services. These gains illustrate how individual stocks with resilient business models can still deliver strong performance even when the overall index falters.