The S&P 500 maintains an 11.8% year-to-date return as AI infrastructure spending and strong earnings growth drive a potential fourth consecutive year of double-digit market gains.
The S&P 500 is explicitly mentioned as returning 11.8% year-to-date, providing broad market context.
The U.S. equity market remains on track for a fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth, fueled by robust corporate earnings and heavy investment in AI infrastructure. While the S&P 500 has climbed 11.8% year-to-date, sector performance remains bifurcated with Energy leading the market while Utilities and Consumer Discretionary lag behind.
The market is being driven by significant capital expenditure in AI infrastructure and exceptionally strong corporate earnings growth.