Is 7% a good rate of return?

Asked by: Agnes Cronin  |  Last update: July 12, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (31 votes)

A good return on investment is generally considered to be around 7% per year, based on the average historic return of the S&P 500 index, adjusted for inflation. The average return of the U.S. stock market is around 10% per year, adjusted for inflation, dating back to the late 1920s.

Is a 7% return realistic?

While quite a few personal finance pundits have suggested that a stock investor can expect a 12% annual return, when you incorporate the impact of volatility and inflation, 7% is a more accurate historical estimate for an aggressive investor (someone primarily invested in stocks), and 5% would be more appropriate for ...

Where can you get a 7% return on your money?

The time it takes to double your money with a 7% yield depends on whether your returns are compounding or not. With compound interest, you could expect to double your money in approximately 10 years, while it would take over 14 years with simple interest.

Is an 8% return realistic?

Is a rate of return of 8% a good average annual return? The answer is yes if you're investing in government bonds, which shouldn't be as risky as investing in stocks.

Does 7% return include inflation?

A good return on investment is generally considered to be about 7% per year, which is also the average annual return of the S&P 500, adjusting for inflation.

Why 10% Is NOT A Realistic Expected Return For Stocks

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What is a 7% annual return?

Here's how much a 7% return on investment can earn an individual after 10 years. If an individual starts out by putting in $1,000 into an investment with a 7% average annual return, they would see their money grow to $1,967 after a decade, assuming little or no volatility (which is unlikely in real life).

What is a realistic rate of return in retirement?

Having said that, you can expect a balanced portfolio to deliver around 5% annually in retirement, whereas more aggressive portfolios may offer higher returns but at the cost of increased risk. Make sure to consider all of these factors to create a retirement portfolio that provides both growth and financial security.

Is a 10% return possible?

With the right knowledge and strategies or the guidance of a skilled financial advisor, anyone can make strides to unlock their wealth potential and aim for a 10% return on investment. Various investment options might yield a 10%+ return.

How much money do I need to invest to make $3,000 a month?

$3,000 X 12 months = $36,000 per year. $36,000 / 6% dividend yield = $600,000. On the other hand, if you're more risk-averse and prefer a portfolio yielding 2%, you'd need to invest $1.8 million to reach the $3,000 per month target: $3,000 X 12 months = $36,000 per year.

What is the average return on a 401k for 20 years?

Variable Rate of Return: Financial advisors often project an average rate of return for 401(k) plans between 5 to 8% over 20 to 30 years. However, this does not guarantee such returns due to market volatility and other factors.

What does a 7% yield mean?

A property rental yield is the measure of the rental income in relation to the property's capital value expressed as a percentage. So, for example if the annual rent on a rental property was £7000 pa and the capital value £100,000 the rental yield on that property is 7%.

What is Warren Buffett's rate of return?

As of December 2024, in the previous 30 Years, the Warren Buffett Portfolio obtained a 10.37% compound annual return, with a 13.67% standard deviation. It suffered a maximum drawdown of -45.52% that required 42 months to be recovered.

How to achieve 7% return?

Pay down any high-interest debt; if you have a student loan at 7%, paying it down is a 7% risk-free return (and once it is gone, the money that was going to the loan payments can be invested instead). But there is no safe way to earn 7% on investments.

Is 12% return on 401k good?

What you really need to care about is how your investments perform over the span of many years. And based on the history of the market, 12% is not some magic, unrealistic number. It's actually a pretty reasonable bet for your long-term investments.

How much should I invest at 30 to be a millionaire?

Here's the breakdown: A 30-year-old making investments that yield a 3% yearly return would have to invest $1,400 per month for 35 years to reach $1 million. If they instead contribute to investments that give a 6% yearly return, they would have to invest $740 per month for 35 years to end up with $1 million.

How much money do you have to make a month to make $100000 a year?

A $100,000 salary can yield a monthly income of $8,333.33, a biweekly paycheck of $3,846.15, a weekly income of $1,923.08, and a daily income of $384.62 based on 260 working days per year.

How much should I invest to get $50,000 per month?

Fixed Deposits (FDs): Safe but lower returns (7% return needs an 86 lakh investment for 50K monthly). Dividend Income: Invest in dividend-paying stocks (average 7% yield needs an 85 lakh investment for 50K monthly).

What return doubles your money in 10 years?

For investors to double their money in a decade, an average annual return of just 7.2% is all that's needed.

Is a 15% return possible?

Stock exchange markets are considered inherently unstable and unpredictable, however, in the long run, they eventually tend to rise, and though a return as good as 15% each year might not always be achievable in the stock market, an annual return of around 15% may be possible over the foreseeable future, but remember, ...

What is the safest investment with the highest return?

Here are some ways investors can take less risk but still generate a decent return:
  • High-yield savings accounts.
  • Money market funds.
  • Certificates of deposit (CDs).
  • Corporate bonds.
  • Treasurys.
  • Dividend stocks.
  • Preferred shares.

What is the 7% withdrawal rule?

The Only Way to Safely Implement the 7% Rule

A GLWB allows you to withdraw up to 7% of your annuity's value annually, ensuring you receive income for life, even if the annuity's balance is exhausted.

How many people have $1,000,000 in retirement savings?

Just 16% of retirees say they have more than $1 million saved, including all personal savings and assets, according to the recent CNBC Your Money retirement survey conducted with SurveyMonkey. In fact, among those currently saving for retirement, 57% say the amount they're hoping to save is less than $1 million.

Is $500,000 enough to retire at 70?

Retiring with $500,000 is possible, but you have to be pragmatic about your lifestyle and spending. Create a comprehensive savings and investment strategy, ideally with the help of a trusted financial advisor.