A Look Back: Global Stock Market Performance Over the Past 5 Years (2020–2024)
Introduction The last five years have been a rollercoaster for global stock markets. From pandemic-induced crashes to explosive recoveries, geopolitical tensions, inflation battles, and a surge in AI and tech innovation, investors have witnessed a whirlwind of events shaping equity markets across the globe. Let’s take a look at how major global indices have performed since 2020 and what key trends have emerged. 1. 2020: The Pandemic Crash and Quick Rebound The COVID-19 pandemic triggered one of the fastest bear markets in history. Global markets nosedived in March 2020, with the MSCI World Index falling over 30% within weeks. However, thanks to unprecedented monetary stimulus, interest rate cuts, and massive government support, markets rebounded quickly. S&P 500 (US): -34% in March, but ended 2020 up nearly 16% FTSE 100 (UK): Down around 14% for the year Nikkei 225 (Japan): Rose nearly 16%, fueled by tech stocks and BOJ support MSCI Emerging Markets Index: Recovered strongly late i...