Calculate how much your investment will grow over time
Investment returns are the profits earned from an investment over time. Returns come from two main sources: capital appreciation (the investment growing in value) and income (dividends, interest, or rent). When returns are reinvested, the power of compounding significantly accelerates growth over time.
Historically, the S&P 500 stock market index has returned around 10% per year on average before inflation, or about 7% after inflation. Bonds typically return 3–5%, while savings accounts offer 1–5% depending on interest rate environments. The right return depends on your risk tolerance and investment horizon.
Higher potential returns generally come with higher risk. Stocks can lose significant value in the short term but have outperformed other assets over long periods. Diversifying your investments across different asset classes can help balance risk and return according to your personal goals.
Making regular monthly contributions to your investment — known as dollar-cost averaging — is one of the most effective strategies for building wealth. It reduces the impact of market volatility and ensures you are consistently putting money to work regardless of market conditions.