New Delhi, July 15 -- The BSE Sensex has declined 9.37% so far in 2026, as investors grapple with concerns over global trade tensions. Market corrections often raise questions around if investors should pause fresh investments until sentiment improves or continue with their long-term strategy.

While no one can predict when the current correction will end, historical data provides useful perspective. According to FundsIndia Research, the Sensex has witnessed an average intra-year drawdown of about 20% since 1980. Yet, 37 of the 46 calendar years between 1980 and June 2026 ended with positive returns, suggesting that temporary declines have frequently been part of longer-term market cycles rather than an exception.

One of the strongest fi...