$1,000 invested in the S&P 500 in 2008
$1,000 put into an S&P 500 index fund in January 2008 would be worth about $7,839 by Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested. That is 11.7% a year.
Real monthly S&P 500 data, updated monthly. How we calculate$1,000 put into the S&P 500 in Jan 2008 is now worth
S&P 500 came out on top, ahead of the runner-up, Gold at $4,956. Bonds finished last at $1,523. Just keeping up with prices needed $1,587, and 2 of 3 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 | $7,876 | 11.7% | 688% | −45% (Mar 2009) |
| Gold | $4,956 | 9.0% | 396% | −39% (Dec 2015) |
| Bonds | $1,523 | 2.3% | 52% | −25% (Oct 2023) |
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 19 years the money doubled about 3.0 times. Without reinvesting dividends it would be $5,563: dividends account for 29% of the final value.
Inflation matters over this long. $1,000 in 2008 had the buying power of about $1,587 today, so the real gain is $7,839 against $1,587: still 4.9× the buying power, or 8.9% a year above inflation.
It was not a smooth ride. The value fell 45% 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 2008: 10-year Treasury bonds: $1,523; gold: $4,853. Compare more assets.
| After | Year | Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 2013 | $1,200 |
| 10 years | 2018 | $2,500 |
| Now | Sep 2026 | $7,839 |
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 2008 be worth today?
About $7,839 as of Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested and no fees or taxes. Without dividends, about $5,563.
What was the average yearly return since 2008?
11.7% a year before inflation and 8.9% after inflation.
How much is $1,000 from 2008 in today's money?
About $1,587, based on US consumer prices (CPI). See inflation since 2008.
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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