# S&P 500 Maintains Upward Streak as Strong Corporate Earnings Outlook Offsets Rate Concerns

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/s-p-500-maintains-upward-streak-as-strong-corporate-earnings-outlook-offsets-e1138b
- Published: 2026-10-15T13:00:00Z
- Category: markets; sentiment: bullish; impact: medium
- Symbols: [SP:SPX](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/SP-SPX)
- Written by our AI from expert market sources across the web for FreeTheAI Stocks, built by Vibhek Soni
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The S&P 500 (SP:SPX) has completed 52 consecutive trading sessions without dropping 1% or more in a single day, marking its longest such run since July 2024. In addition, the New York Stock Exchange has logged 224 straight sessions without heavy broad-based selling, defined as days where declining shares account for at least 80% of total volume. This reflects sustained market stability despite higher interest rates, elevated inflation, and upcoming midterm election uncertainty.

Solid corporate profit expectations are providing crucial fundamental support for equities. Third-quarter total earnings for S&P 500 companies are projected to increase 24.3% year over year on an 11.5% revenue rise. Early corporate reports show even stronger momentum, with total Q3 earnings for reporting members up 150.9% on 27% higher revenue, and nearly four out of five companies surpassing profit estimates. Profit growth forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2026 and early 2027 also remain in double-digit territory.

Investors will keep an eye on upcoming macroeconomic policy and election developments alongside seasonal consumer activity. Historical trends show that equities typically perform well following midterm elections, averaging a 12.4% gain over the subsequent 12 months. Meanwhile, U.S. holiday retail spending is projected to surpass $1 trillion during the November-December shopping season, offering another potential tailwind for the economy.

## Key points

- The S&P 500 (SP:SPX) has gone 52 consecutive trading days without falling 1% or more in a single session.
- S&P 500 third-quarter earnings are expected to grow 24.3% year over year on 11.5% higher revenues.
- The NYSE recorded 224 consecutive trading sessions without a day where declining stocks made up 80% or more of total volume.
- U.S. holiday retail spending is projected to exceed $1 trillion, growing up to 5.5% year over year.

## Questions and answers

### How long has the S&P 500 gone without a 1% daily drop?

The S&P 500 has completed 52 consecutive trading sessions without experiencing a single-day decline of 1% or more.

### What are the earnings growth projections for the S&P 500 in Q3?

Third-quarter total earnings for S&P 500 companies are forecasted to rise 24.3% year over year, supported by an 11.5% increase in total revenues.

### How do stocks usually perform after U.S. midterm elections?

Historically, the S&P 500 has posted positive returns in every 12-month period following a midterm election since 1946, averaging a 12.4% gain.