$10,000 invested in the S&P 500 in 2009
$10,000 put into an S&P 500 index fund in January 2009 would be worth about $121,775 by Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested. That is 15.2% a year.
Real monthly S&P 500 data, updated monthly. How we calculate$10,000 put into the S&P 500 in Jan 2009 is now worth
S&P 500 came out on top, 2.4× the runner-up, Gold at $51,350. Bonds finished last at $13,280. Just keeping up with prices needed $15,865, 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 | $122,349 | 15.3% | 1,123% | −19% (Oct 2022) |
| Gold | $51,350 | 9.8% | 414% | −39% (Dec 2015) |
| Bonds | $13,280 | 1.6% | 33% | −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 18 years the money doubled about 3.6 times. Without reinvesting dividends it would be $88,604: dividends account for 27% of the final value.
Inflation matters over this long. $10,000 in 2009 had the buying power of about $15,865 today, so the real gain is $121,775 against $15,865: still 7.7× the buying power, or 12.2% a year above inflation.
It was not a smooth ride. The value fell 19% from a high around Oct 2022, during the 2022 inflation sell-off. Holding through it was the price of the final number.
The same $10,000 in other assets from January 2009: 10-year Treasury bonds: $13,280; gold: $50,279. Compare more assets.
| After | Year | Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 2014 | $23,414 |
| 10 years | 2019 | $36,994 |
| Now | Sep 2026 | $121,775 |
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 2009 be worth today?
About $121,775 as of Sep 2026, with dividends reinvested and no fees or taxes. Without dividends, about $88,604.
What was the average yearly return since 2009?
15.2% a year before inflation and 12.2% after inflation.
How much is $10,000 from 2009 in today's money?
About $15,865, based on US consumer prices (CPI). See inflation since 2009.
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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