What is the cheapest way to buy the S&P 500?
The easiest way to invest in the S&P 500

The simplest way to invest in the index is through S&P 500 index funds or ETFs that replicate the index. You can purchase these in a taxable brokerage account, or if you're investing for retirement, in a 401(k) or IRA, which come with added tax benefits.Fidelity 500 Index Fund

You can use an S&P 500 index fund for a high-conviction, long-term bet on U.S. large-cap stocks. Our recommendation for the best overall S&P 500 index fund is the Fidelity 500 Index Fund. With a 0.015% expense ratio, it's the cheapest on our list.Most major brokerages offer an S&P 500 fund or ETF, including Vanguard and Fidelity.

Is it okay to only invest in S&P 500 : Meanwhile, if you only invest in S&P 500 ETFs, you won't beat the broad market. Rather, you can expect your portfolio's performance to be in line with that of the broad market. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. See, over the past 50 years, the S&P 500 has delivered an average annual 10% return.

Is the S and P 500 still a good investment

But if researching and staying up to date on individual companies and their stocks isn't for you, you can still earn great returns by investing in a simple, broad-based index fund like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO 0.19%).

Should I invest in both Nasdaq and S&P : So, if you are looking to own a more diversified basket of stocks, the S&P 500 will be the right fit for you. However, those who are comfortable with the slightly higher risk for the extra returns that investing in Nasdaq 100 based fund might generate will be better off with Nasdaq 100.

Expense ratios. VOO and IVV boast the lowest management fee at 0.03%, about one-third of the SPY ETF. While the difference between a 0.03%, and 0.0945% expense ratio may seem trivial, such fees can really add up. For every $10,000 invested, these respective fees equal $3 and $9.45 annually.

VOO typically provides a higher dividend yield compared to SPY. This aspect is particularly attractive to investors who prioritize income generation from their investments.

What is the 5 year return of the S&P 500

Average Stock Market Returns Per Year

Years Averaged (as of end of April 2024) Stock Market Average Return per Year (Dividends Reinvested) Average Return with Dividends Reinvested & Inflation Adjusted
30 Years 10.473% 7.743%
20 Years 9.882% 7.13%
10 Years 12.579% 9.521%
5 Years 13.712% 9.246%

Over the past decade, you would have done even better, as the S&P 500 posted an average annual return of a whopping 12.68%. Here's how much your account balance would be now if you were invested over the past 10 years: $1,000 would grow to $3,300. $5,000 would grow to $16,498.Stock market forecast for the next decade

Year Price
2027 6200
2028 6725
2029 7300
2030 8900


What's the best S&P 500 ETF

ETF Ticker Annualized 5-year return
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF IVV 15.01%
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY 14.14%
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF VOO 13.15%

1. 5. 2024

What is better than the S&P 500 : Focusing on growth businesses

In the trailing five-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year periods, the Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG 0.34%) has outperformed the S&P 500. That is a remarkable track record. And it's a long-enough time horizon to have confidence that this streak can continue in the years ahead.

Is SPY better than voo : VOO typically provides a higher dividend yield compared to SPY. This aspect is particularly attractive to investors who prioritize income generation from their investments.

What is the best S and P 500 ETF

What's the best S&P 500 ETF

ETF Ticker Annualized 5-year return
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF IVV 15.01%
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY 14.14%
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF VOO 13.15%

1. 5. 2024

While both SPY and VOO have their advantages for a certain kind of investor, don't overreact by selling off shares of one for a tiny advantage in owning the other. That could expose you to capital gains taxes on any profits – easily wiping out any of the slim advantages you thought you would gain by switching.The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO 1.22%) is a top choice for most index fund investors. Even Warren Buffett recommends it above any other investment. There's a good reason for that. Its low expense ratio and tight index tracking make it a top choice for anyone looking to match the returns of the S&P 500.

Is the S&P 500 a good investment : Over time, the S&P 500 has delivered strong returns to investors. Those who remained invested enjoyed the benefits of compounding, or the process of earning returns on the returns you've already accumulated. “Since 1970, it has delivered an average 11% return per year, including dividends,” said Reynolds.