$1,000 invested in the S&P 500 in 1998
$1,000 put into an S&P 500 index fund in January 1998 would be worth about $13,106 by Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested. That is 9.4% a year.
Real monthly S&P 500 data, updated monthly. How we calculate$1,000 put into gold in Jan 1998 is now worth
Gold came out on top, ahead of the runner-up, S&P 500 at $13,167. Bonds finished last at $2,828. Just keeping up with prices needed $2,073, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | $15,263 | 10.0% | 1,426% | −39% (Dec 2015) |
| S&P 500 | $13,167 | 9.4% | 1,217% | −49% (Mar 2009) |
| Bonds | $2,828 | 3.7% | 183% | −25% (Oct 2023) |
The chart uses a log scale: equal steps up mean equal percentage gains. What each line measures: Gold, gold monthly average price in US dollars per ounce; 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 29 years the money doubled about 3.7 times. Without reinvesting dividends it would be $7,961: dividends account for 39% of the final value.
Inflation matters over this long. $1,000 in 1998 had the buying power of about $2,073 today, so the real gain is $13,106 against $2,073: still 6.3× the buying power, or 6.6% 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 1998: 10-year Treasury bonds: $2,828; gold: $14,945. Compare more assets.
| After | Year | Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 2003 | $996 |
| 10 years | 2008 | $1,672 |
| 20 years | 2018 | $4,180 |
| Now | Sep 2026 | $13,106 |
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 1998 be worth today?
About $13,106 as of Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested and no fees or taxes. Without dividends, about $7,961.
What was the average yearly return since 1998?
9.4% a year before inflation and 6.6% after inflation.
How much is $1,000 from 1998 in today's money?
About $2,073, based on US consumer prices (CPI). See inflation since 1998.
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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