S&P 500 history
S&P 500 calculatorJan 1871 – Sep 2026, Returns with dividends reinvested, Monthly averages
- Yearly return
- +9.40%
- After inflation
- +7.11%
- Price only
- +4.91%
- Worst real decline
- −76.8%
Growth of $1 since Jan 1871 · S&P 500
Declines after inflation
| Decline | Peak | Bottom | Recovered | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| −76.8% | Sep 1929 | Jun 1932 | Nov 1936 | 7.2 years |
| −51.8% | Aug 2000 | Mar 2009 | May 2013 | 12.7 years |
| −50.1% | Jan 1973 | Dec 1974 | Jan 1985 | 12 years |
| −48.3% | Feb 1937 | Apr 1942 | Apr 1945 | 8.2 years |
| −47.1% | Nov 1916 | Dec 1920 | Aug 1924 | 7.7 years |
Best and worst 20-year stretches
| Latest2006–2026 | Sep 2006 – Sep 2026 | +410% | 8.5% a year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best1980–2000 | Apr 1980 – Apr 2000 | +1,184% | 13.6% a year |
| Median1974–1994 | Jun 1974 – Jun 1994 | +277% | 6.9% a year |
| Worst1901–1921 | Jun 1901 – Jun 1921 | −4% | −0.2% a year |
Middle 80% of all 1,629 stretches