S&P 500
An index of 500 of the largest US companies. It's used as the thermometer of the stock market.
The S&P 500 brings together about 500 large US companies, each weighted by its size. When someone says “the stock market went up”, they often mean this index.
Since 1927, with dividends, the US market rose in 75 of 99 calendar years. The worst was 1931 (−44%) and the best 1933 (+57%).
At Compass it's the benchmark: the “boring” investment to compare bitcoin and ethereum with.
It's published by S&P Dow Jones Indices since 1957, weighted by each company's market value. To get almost a century of history, Compass uses the total return of the US stock market (CRSP data, from Kenneth French's data library) minus 0.03% a year, the VOO ETF's fee. Its monthly correlation with real VOO is 0.9945.
The chart shows each calendar year's return with dividends reinvested.
Each bar is a calendar year, with dividends.
Where you see it in Compass
- Simulator · ExploreIn the Simulator, as the benchmark to compare bitcoin and ethereum with.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How many years has the S&P 500 gone up?
Since 1927, with dividends, 75 of 99 calendar years ended positive.
What was the US stock market's worst year?
1931, with −44% including dividends, in the depths of the Great Depression.
Calculated and reviewed by Compass. Sources, checks and method
Figures with data as of October 26, 2026. Educational content. Not financial advice. Past results don't guarantee future results.