---
title: "Five years out of market meant missing nearly 80% gain"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/286956167.md"
description: "The S&P 500's 12.44% annualized return since 2021 has turned $10,000 into nearly $17,972, highlighting the risks of market timing. The IRS has increased 2026 401(k) and IRA limits, enhancing tax-advantaged contributions. Additionally, utilizing step-up SIPs and consistent contributions can significantly boost long-term returns, emphasizing the importance of discipline over fund selection."
datetime: "2026-05-19T19:09:18.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/286956167.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286956167.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/286956167.md)
---

# Five years out of market meant missing nearly 80% gain

Missed market rally: S&P 500's 12.44% annualized return since 2021 turned $10,000 into nearly $17,972, showing the high cost of market timing. Higher saving limits: IRS lifted 2026 401(k) and IRA limits, allowing more tax-advantaged contributions and greater long-term compounding potential. Power of structure: Step-up SIPs and consistent contributions can nearly double long-term returns, making discipline more important than fund selection.

### Related Stocks

- [.SPX.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/.SPX.US.md)
- [IVV.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/IVV.US.md)
- [VTV.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/VTV.US.md)
- [SPY.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/SPY.US.md)
- [VOO.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/VOO.US.md)

## Related News & Research

- [LIVE MARKETS-In Europe, 'the pessimists are back'](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286894777.md)
- [Rare S&P 500 Signals: What History Says About This Rally](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286600805.md)
- [Futures Pointing To Slightly Lower Open On Wall Street](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286773644.md)
- [S&P Global Stock: Is Wall Street Bullish or Bearish?](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286554447.md)
- [This is why millions of investors trust VOO more than individual stocks](https://longbridge.com/en/news/285903166.md)