The current stock market recovery came out of the Great Recession of 2008 and is now more than 3 years old.  Despite the persistent worry and extreme caution of investors, this is one of the strongest stock market recoveries since World War II.  The charts below demonstrate not only is the current stock market recovery the best ever this far into the economic recovery, but nearly the best through out the entire recovery cycle.

Post-War Stock Market Rallies — Cumulative Return from Recession Low
(red highlight denotes current recovery stock market rally)

Post-War Stock Market Rallies — Cum Return from Recession Low to 870 Days
(red highlight denotes current recovery stock market rally)
Source:
Wells Capital Management
BEST EVER Post-War Stock Market Rally!
August 20, 2012