$1,000 invested in the S&P 500 in 1999
$1,000 put into an S&P 500 index fund in January 1999 would be worth about $9,965 by Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested. That is 8.7% a year.
Real monthly S&P 500 data, updated monthly. How we calculate$1,000 put into gold in Jan 1999 is now worth
Gold came out on top, ahead of the runner-up, S&P 500 at $10,012. Bonds finished last at $2,521. Just keeping up with prices needed $2,039, 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 | $15,369 | 10.4% | 1,437% | −39% (Dec 2015) |
| S&P 500 | $10,012 | 8.7% | 901% | −49% (Mar 2009) |
| Bonds | $2,521 | 3.4% | 152% | −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 28 years the money doubled about 3.3 times. Without reinvesting dividends it would be $6,142: dividends account for 38% of the final value.
Inflation matters over this long. $1,000 in 1999 had the buying power of about $2,039 today, so the real gain is $9,965 against $2,039: still 4.9× the buying power, or 5.9% 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 1999: 10-year Treasury bonds: $2,521; gold: $15,049. Compare more assets.
| After | Year | Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 2004 | $974 |
| 10 years | 2009 | $818 |
| 20 years | 2019 | $3,027 |
| Now | Sep 2026 | $9,965 |
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 1999 be worth today?
About $9,965 as of Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested and no fees or taxes. Without dividends, about $6,142.
What was the average yearly return since 1999?
8.7% a year before inflation and 5.9% after inflation.
How much is $1,000 from 1999 in today's money?
About $2,039, based on US consumer prices (CPI). See inflation since 1999.
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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