$1,000 invested in the S&P 500 in 1994
$1,000 put into an S&P 500 index fund in January 1994 would be worth about $29,234 by Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested. That is 10.9% a year.
Real monthly S&P 500 data, updated monthly. How we calculate$1,000 put into the S&P 500 in Jan 1994 is now worth
S&P 500 came out on top, 2.6× the runner-up, Gold at $11,398. Bonds finished last at $3,730. Just keeping up with prices needed $2,291, 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 | $29,372 | 10.9% | 2,837% | −49% (Mar 2009) |
| Gold | $11,398 | 7.8% | 1,040% | −39% (Dec 2015) |
| Bonds | $3,730 | 4.1% | 273% | −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 33 years the money doubled about 4.9 times. Without reinvesting dividends it would be $16,215: dividends account for 45% of the final value.
Inflation matters over this long. $1,000 in 1994 had the buying power of about $2,291 today, so the real gain is $29,234 against $2,291: still 12.8× 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 1994: 10-year Treasury bonds: $3,730; gold: $11,160. Compare more assets.
| After | Year | Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 1999 | $2,934 |
| 10 years | 2004 | $2,856 |
| 20 years | 2014 | $5,621 |
| 30 years | 2024 | $17,777 |
| Now | Sep 2026 | $29,234 |
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 1994 be worth today?
About $29,234 as of Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested and no fees or taxes. Without dividends, about $16,215.
What was the average yearly return since 1994?
10.9% a year before inflation and 8.1% after inflation.
How much is $1,000 from 1994 in today's money?
About $2,291, based on US consumer prices (CPI). See inflation since 1994.
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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