$10,000 invested in the S&P 500 in 2005
$10,000 put into an S&P 500 index fund in January 2005 would be worth about $96,507 by Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested. That is 11.0% a year.
Real monthly S&P 500 data, updated monthly. How we calculate$10,000 put into gold in Jan 2005 is now worth
Gold came out on top, ahead of the runner-up, S&P 500 at $96,962. Bonds finished last at $18,135. Just keeping up with prices needed $17,566, 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 | $104,033 | 11.5% | 940% | −39% (Dec 2015) |
| S&P 500 | $96,962 | 11.1% | 870% | −49% (Mar 2009) |
| Bonds | $18,135 | 2.8% | 81% | −25% (Oct 2023) |
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 22 years the money doubled about 3.3 times. Without reinvesting dividends it would be $64,917: dividends account for 33% of the final value.
Inflation matters over this long. $10,000 in 2005 had the buying power of about $17,566 today, so the real gain is $96,507 against $17,566: still 5.5× the buying power, or 8.2% 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 $10,000 in other assets from January 2005: 10-year Treasury bonds: $18,135; gold: $101,863. Compare more assets.
| After | Year | Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 2010 | $10,561 |
| 10 years | 2015 | $21,057 |
| 20 years | 2025 | $73,952 |
| Now | Sep 2026 | $96,507 |
Value over time, with dividends reinvested. No fees or taxes.
Try other amounts and years
Common questions
How much would $10,000 invested in the S&P 500 in 2005 be worth today?
About $96,507 as of Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested and no fees or taxes. Without dividends, about $64,917.
What was the average yearly return since 2005?
11.0% a year before inflation and 8.2% after inflation.
How much is $10,000 from 2005 in today's money?
About $17,566, based on US consumer prices (CPI). See inflation since 2005.
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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