Tracking the Journey Over the Years
There is an interesting way to look at market performance—not just by price but by the time it takes to double. This simple measure can tell a lot about how fast or slow markets are moving. In November 1999, for example, it took about 73 months for the Sensex to double. But by April 2003, this time dropped sharply to just 19 months. Between 2003 and 2005, markets were strong and kept doubling every 10 to 20 months (see image below).
A Slow Phase After 2007
Things changed after the sharp rally. From 2005 to late 2007, the doubling period increased again. The Sensex level from December 2007 took nearly 12 years—about 143 months—to double. This long wait shows the impact of the 2008 global financial crisis. Even though the Sensex recovered to its 2007 level in six years, the doubling came only by December 2019.
Faster Growth After the Crisis
After February 2009, the story improved again. Post the crisis, it took just 17 months for the market to double. This was a sign of strong recovery. But after that, the speed slowed again for a while. On average, from 2010 to 2019, markets took around 60 to 100 months to double. That was the general trend in this period, showing slower and more stable movement.
A Sharp Shift After 2019
From 2019 onwards, things changed once again. The time taken to double the Sensex came down sharply. After the Covid-19 crash in early 2020, the market bottomed out and doubled in just 18 months. That was one of the fastest moves in recent history. Even after that, the current average is about 45 months—less than four years. This shows a major shift in market pace.
What Has Changed?
The market seems to have become faster, with more money flowing in and fewer sharp falls. Volatility has reduced, and steady growth has taken over. The average time to double has come down, and that’s a strong sign for long-term investors. But the question remains: Is this a lasting change or just a temporary phase? Only time will tell.
What do you think about this trend in doubling time? Is it the new normal or just a passing phase? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you found this blog useful, don’t forget to SHARE it with your friends!
