This chart illustrates the frequency of all-time highs for the S&P 500, showcasing its impressive performance this year ...

It wouldn't only represent a great year for the stock market, but it would also represent a spectacular two-year run for the S&P 500. The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) is up 27% in 2024, as of Dec. 9.

The performance of the S&P 500 index is better in some years than it is in others, though. Here's how the S&P 500 index has performed in recent decades -- and why it's an attractive option for ...