$1,000 invested in the S&P 500 in 1970
$1,000 put into an S&P 500 index fund in January 1970 would be worth about $393,111 by Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested. That is 11.1% a year.
Real monthly S&P 500 data, updated monthly. How we calculate$1,000 put into the S&P 500 in Jan 1970 is now worth
S&P 500 came out on top, 11.5× 10-year Treasury bonds, which reached $34,214. Just keeping up with prices needed $8,862, and both did better. It ends in Aug 2026, the latest month with data for Bonds.
Full results by asset
| Asset | Worth now | Per year | Total return | Worst drop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | $394,965 | 11.1% | 39,396% | −49% (Mar 2009) |
| Bonds | $34,214 | 6.4% | 3,321% | −25% (Oct 2023) |
The chart uses a log scale: equal steps up mean equal percentage gains. What each line measures: S&P 500, S&P 500 monthly average level with dividends reinvested (an index fund, before its small fee); Bonds, total return of 10-year US Treasury bonds (interest plus price changes), modelled from the monthly 10-year yield. Inflation uses the US Consumer Price Index. Monthly averages, data through Aug 2026; no fees or taxes. Past returns do not predict future returns.
The result
Over 57 years the money doubled about 8.6 times. Without reinvesting dividends it would be $84,923: dividends account for 78% of the final value.
Inflation matters over this long. $1,000 in 1970 had the buying power of about $8,862 today, so the real gain is $393,111 against $8,862: still 44.4× the buying power, or 6.9% a year above inflation.
It was not a smooth ride. The value fell 49% from a high around Mar 2009, during the 2008 financial crisis. Holding through it was the price of the final number.
The same $1,000 in other assets from January 1970: 10-year Treasury bonds: $34,214. Compare more assets.
| After | Year | Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 1975 | $955 |
| 10 years | 1980 | $1,834 |
| 20 years | 1990 | $8,537 |
| 30 years | 2000 | $45,595 |
| 40 years | 2010 | $43,018 |
| 50 years | 2020 | $153,042 |
| Now | Sep 2026 | $393,111 |
Value over time, with dividends reinvested. No fees or taxes.
Try other amounts and years
Common questions
How much would $1,000 invested in the S&P 500 in 1970 be worth today?
About $393,111 as of Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested and no fees or taxes. Without dividends, about $84,923.
What was the average yearly return since 1970?
11.1% a year before inflation and 6.9% after inflation.
How much is $1,000 from 1970 in today's money?
About $8,862, based on US consumer prices (CPI). See inflation since 1970.
Is a lump sum better than investing monthly?
Historically a lump sum came out ahead about two-thirds of the time, because markets rise more often than they fall. Spreading it out reduces regret if a crash comes right after. Test both with the lump sum vs DCA calculator.
Based on the S&P 500 monthly average level with dividends reinvested (an index fund before its small fee). Educational estimates, not investment advice. Past returns do not predict future returns.
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