In the first half of 2024, the S&P 500 saw significant gains of 14.5%, driven by optimism around rate cuts and enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) stocks like Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon. Looking ahead to the second half of the year, historical data suggests that after double-digit returns in the first half, the S&P 500 is likely to see further upside. Since 1984, when the index has returned at least 10% in the first half of the year, it has continued to climb during the second half 86% of the time. This trend signals potential for continued growth in the coming months, despite uncertainties around inflation, interest rates, valuations, and other market variables. Patient investors who focus on solid stocks or an S&P 500 index fund at reasonable prices stand to benefit over time, regardless of short-term market fluctuations.