Host David Asman reports on a strong market day, with the Dow Jones Industrials reaching 52,000 for the first time. SpaceX stock rose as much as 16%, overtaking Amazon by market capitalization.
The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF recently made stock market history, becoming the first ETF to reach $1 trillion in assets. And there’s a good reason why it’s such a popular ETF among investors.
This fund not only provides diversified exposure to the largest US 500 companies, but also has a strong track record of consistent growth over time. In fact, since the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF launched in 2010, it has delivered total returns of nearly 800%, as of this writing.
But is it really possible to earn $1 million or more with this slow but steady ETF? History says yes – but with a caveat.
1 UNDER THE RADAR ETF INVEST $1,000 NOW THAT MAKES BIG SECONDS THIS YEAR.
A futures options trader works on the floor of the NYSE American (AMEX) New York Stock Exchange in New York City, June 8, 2026. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters/Reuters)
The road to a million dollar portfolio
The market can be unpredictable in the short term, but its long term performance is very stable. Over the past seven decades, the S&P 500’s (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) annual returns have averaged just over 10% per year. The longer you stay in the market, the more likely you are to reap the full benefits.
| A ticker | Security | Finally | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOO | VANGUARD S&P 500 ETF – USD DIS | 693.83 | +11.88 |
+1.74% |
A long-term view is important in any investment, but it is especially important with the S&P 500 ETF. This fund is not a high yielder, especially when compared to growth ETFs designed to outperform the market. However, its strength lies in its long-term potential.
ETF PROPERTIES CONTINUE. HERE’S HOW CONNECTION FEES DIFFER
Let’s say you earn an average annual return of 10% on your investments, and you have a goal of reaching $1 million. At that rate, here’s roughly what you’ll need to invest each month, depending on your timeline:
| Number of Years | Amount Invested Each Month | Total Portfolio Income |
| 20 | $1,500 | $1.031 million |
| 25 | $850 | $1.003 million |
| 30 | $525 | $1.036 million |
| 35 | $325 | $1.057 million |
| 40 | $200 | $1.062 million |
Data source: author’s calculations via invector.gov.
Timing and consistency are the keys to building significant wealth with the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. It will likely take several decades to accumulate $1 million with this type of investment, but it is within reach for most investors – assuming the S&P 500 continues to earn returns in line with its historical average.
How to make more money in the stock market
Also, the S&P 500 ETF is known more for its volatility than its high returns. For many investors, the potential for low returns is a profitable trade-off for a fund with decades of consistent growth. Those who want to grow their money in the stock market, however, can choose a different approach.
HOW ETFS CAN WORK FOR RETIREMENT BUILDINGS
The opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange in New York City, on May 28, 2025. (Adam Gray for Fox News Digital)
Buying individual stocks is probably the best way to get higher long-term returns. This strategy often requires a lot of time and research, but a custom portfolio full of healthy stocks can significantly outperform the S&P 500. Investing in a growth ETF is another option, as these funds only contain stocks with strong above-average returns.
The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF can provide diversification and stability, making it a smart choice for long-term investors. No matter where you choose to buy, investing consistently and staying in the market for the long term can help you build wealth that lasts a lifetime.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Katie Brockman has positions in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has positions and recommends the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has disclosure policy.
