Buying the market the month before Black Monday
On October 19, 1987, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 22.6% in a single day — still the largest one-day crash in market history, and the S&P 500 fell just as hard. Month-end data can't show the intraday panic, but it shows the aftermath.
$1,000 at the September 1987 month-end close, held to the latest close (2026-08): $23,950. The position was back above water by 1989-07 — about 2 years.
The worst single day in stock market history, timed perfectly wrong, still compounded into $23,950. The market's cruelty is survivable; its patience is the expensive part.
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.