Apple at the bottom: $1,000 in January 2009
January 2009: the market was in freefall, the iPhone was 18 months old, and Apple traded near its financial-crisis low. Buying anything felt like catching a knife.
$1,000 in AAPL at the start of 2009, held to the latest close (2026-08): $124,111 — +12311.1% total, dividends reinvested.
The 2009 entry wasn't even the perfect one — Apple traded lower later that year. The point stands: the best trade of the century so far was available to anyone with $1,000 and the nerve to buy during a panic.
FAQ
How is this number computed?
The figure uses the same historical closing-price data as the calculators: the relevant ticker's month-end close at the scenario's start, compared with the latest available month-end close, with splits and dividends handled per the methodology page.
What if I change the amount?
Every figure scales linearly: double the starting amount and every dollar figure doubles. Use the ticker's calculator page for exact-date precision and dollar-cost averaging.
Is this investment advice?
No. These are historical calculations for entertainment and education. Past performance never guarantees future results.
Every figure is computed from the same historical data the calculators use (see methodology). Not financial advice.