History says last year's weak finish for stocks could be a drag on returns in 2026

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• S&P 500 ended 2025 up 16%, but fell 1% in the final five trading days.
• An LPL Financial analysis links weak year-end performance to lower returns in the following year.
• Historical trends do not guarantee future results, and 2026 began with S&P 500 gains.

While the S&P 500 closed out 2025 up 16%, the index ended the year on the wrong foot, posting negative returns during the market's final five trading days.