Is 7% return realistic?

Asked by: Dr. Pedro Kovacek III  |  Last update: February 13, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (57 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 7% rate of return good?

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.

How long does it take to double your money with a 7% return?

A quick and easier way to estimate the time it takes to double your money with compound interest is the Rule of 72. Simply divide 72 by your annual interest rate. In the case of a 7% yield, it would take approximately 10 years to double your money (72 / 8 = 10.3).

Is 8% return on investment 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.

What is a realistic rate of return?

As a result, keeping a realistic rate of return in mind can help you aim for a defined target. Many consider a conservative rate of return in retirement 10% or less because of historical returns.

Josh Brown's 'best stocks in the market'

23 related questions found

Is a 7% return realistic?

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 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.

What is the 8% rule in investing?

There's no guarantee that any stock will keep rising after it breaks out of a proper base, no matter how strong its fundamentals or how solid its chart pattern. That's why the 8% sell rule helps keep losses small and preserve capital. The rule is applied when a stock falls 8% below your purchase price, no matter what.

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.

How can I double $5000 dollars in a year?

10+ Ways to Double $5,000
  1. Start a Side Hustle. Perhaps the most common method of making more money is starting a side hustle. ...
  2. Invest in Stocks and Bonds. ...
  3. Day Trade. ...
  4. Save More Money. ...
  5. Buy and Resell Items on Amazon and eBay. ...
  6. Build an eCommerce Business. ...
  7. Sell Your Stuff. ...
  8. Earn cashback When You Shop.

What is the 72 rule of money?

It's an easy way to calculate just how long it's going to take for your money to double. Just take the number 72 and divide it by the interest rate you hope to earn. That number gives you the approximate number of years it will take for your investment to double.

What is the rule of 7% return?

To estimate the number of years it would take to double your money at a 7% annual rate of return, you can use the Rule of 72. Divide 72 by the annual rate of return: 72 ÷ 7 = 10.29. So, at a 7% return rate, it would take approximately 10.29 years to double your money.

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.

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 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).

How to invest $100 000 to make $1 million?

4 Good Investment Choices for Turning $100k into $1 Million
  1. Real Estate. Real estate remains a solid option for those wondering how to invest 100k to make $1 million in 10 years or less. ...
  2. Stock Market. ...
  3. Index Funds or ETFs. ...
  4. Buying Established Businesses/Websites.

What is the O Neil rule?

According to IBD founder William O'Neil's rule in "How to Make Money in Stocks," you should sell a stock when you are down 7% or 8% from your purchase price, no exceptions. Having a rule in place ahead of time can help prevent an emotional decision to hang on too long.

What are the 4 golden rules investing?

By following these four golden rules—starting early, investing regularly, thinking long-term, and diversifying—you set yourself up for a successful investing journey. Remember, the goal isn't just to make money but to build wealth in a sustainable, low-stress way.

What if 10000 is invested at 8 percent?

Hence the amount after 12 months becomes Rs. 10816. Now we know that compound interest can be calculated using the formula, Compound interest = compound amount - principal amount.

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 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.

How much money should you put in savings every month?

This budgeting rule states that you should allocate 50 percent of your monthly income for essentials (such as housing, groceries and gas), 30 percent for wants and 20 percent for savings.