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S&P 500 returns by year

Total return for the S&P 500 (SPY) in each calendar year since 2001, from one December close to the next, with dividends reinvested. 20 of 25 full years were positive.

S&P 500 total return by calendar year

SPY total return by calendar year
YearSPY total return
2026 to date+13.7%
2025+17.7%
2024+24.9%
2023+26.2%
2022−18.2%
2021+28.7%
2020+18.3%
2019+31.2%
2018−4.6%
2017+21.7%
2016+12.0%
2015+1.2%
2014+13.5%
2013+32.3%
2012+16.0%
2011+1.9%
2010+15.1%
2009+26.4%
2008−36.8%
2007+5.1%
2006+15.8%
2005+4.8%
2004+10.7%
2003+28.2%
2002−21.6%
2001−11.8%

Month-end closes adjusted for splits and dividends, through the October 14, 2026 close. Source: Yahoo Finance chart API, monthly close adjusted for splits and dividends. Excludes taxes, fees and inflation. Methodology

Investing a set amount every month instead? The S&P 500 monthly investment calculator runs it on the same prices.

Past returns don't repeat. What does the price assume now?

These tables show what already happened. A buyer today gets the next ten years, and the price already reflects what the market expects. The reverse DCF calculator shows the growth today's price implies, so you can judge whether it is realistic.

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Frequently asked questions

What was the S&P 500's best year?

2013, with a total return of +32.3%. Its worst full year was 2008 at −36.8%.

How often has the S&P 500 gone up in a calendar year?

In 20 of the 25 full calendar years since 2001.

How is the S&P 500 doing this year?

+13.7% from the end of 2025 to the October 14, 2026 close.

Do these returns include dividends?

Yes. Each year runs from one December month-end close to the next, using prices adjusted for splits and dividends, so dividends count as reinvested. Taxes, fees and inflation are not included.

Returns by year for each stock

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