Growth of $10,000: Three-Fund Portfolio (Bogleheads)
A $10,000 investment in the Three-Fund Portfolio (Bogleheads) at the start of 1996 would have grown to $60,185 by 2026 — about 6.0× the original stake over 30 years, based on historical data.
30-Year Growth of $10,000
What the numbers mean
Over this 30-year window the Three-Fund Portfolio (Bogleheads) compounded at roughly 8.18%per year. That growth was not a straight line: the strategy's worst peak-to-trough decline reached -32.2%, a reminder that even the steadiest allocations go through painful stretches.
Its best single year returned +26.2% (2009), while its worst year fell -23.1% (2008). Adjusted for inflation, the ending $60,185 is worth about $32,036 in 1996 dollars — the real purchasing power your money would have gained after rising prices are stripped out.
These figures assume the strategy's target weights (the simplest globally diversified index portfolio you can build with three funds.) rebalanced annual, with no additional contributions or withdrawals. To model your own contributions, withdrawal rate, or a different mix, open this allocation in the portfolio simulator.
Annual Returns
| '96 | '97 | '98 | '99 | '00 | '01 | '02 | '03 | '04 | '05 | '06 | '07 | '08 | '09 | '10 | '11 | '12 | '13 | '14 | '15 | '16 | '17 | '18 | '19 | '20 | '21 | '22 | '23 | '24 | '25 | '26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -1 | +15 | +12 | +11 | +2 | -1 | -6 | +4 | +6 | +4 | +6 | +0 | -23 | +26 | +15 | +3 | +10 | +11 | +8 | -3 | +12 | +17 | -2 | +14 | +13 | +8 | -8 | +10 | +13 | +16 | +7 |
Hypothetical historical performance based on backtested data. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Full disclaimer