$1,000 invested in the S&P 500 in 1990
$1,000 put into an S&P 500 index fund in January 1990 would be worth about $46,046 by Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested. That is 11.0% a year.
Real monthly S&P 500 data, updated monthly. How we calculate$1,000 put into the S&P 500 in Jan 1990 is now worth
S&P 500 came out on top, 4.3× the runner-up, Gold at $10,759. Bonds finished last at $5,927. Just keeping up with prices needed $2,629, and all of them 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 | $46,263 | 11.1% | 4,526% | −49% (Mar 2009) |
| Gold | $10,759 | 6.7% | 976% | −39% (Dec 2015) |
| Bonds | $5,927 | 5.0% | 493% | −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); Gold, gold monthly average price in US dollars per ounce; 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 37 years the money doubled about 5.5 times. Without reinvesting dividends it would be $22,559: dividends account for 51% of the final value.
Inflation matters over this long. $1,000 in 1990 had the buying power of about $2,629 today, so the real gain is $46,046 against $2,629: still 17.5× the buying power, or 8.1% 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 1990: 10-year Treasury bonds: $5,927; gold: $10,534. Compare more assets.
| After | Year | Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 1995 | $1,593 |
| 10 years | 2000 | $5,341 |
| 20 years | 2010 | $5,039 |
| 30 years | 2020 | $17,926 |
| Now | Sep 2026 | $46,046 |
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 1990 be worth today?
About $46,046 as of Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested and no fees or taxes. Without dividends, about $22,559.
What was the average yearly return since 1990?
11.0% a year before inflation and 8.1% after inflation.
How much is $1,000 from 1990 in today's money?
About $2,629, based on US consumer prices (CPI). See inflation since 1990.
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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