This ETF Is the Simplest Path to $1 Million in 2026

Core Insights - Building a $1 million portfolio does not require finding a single high-performing stock; a simpler strategy involves consistent monthly investments in an ETF [1][2] - The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is recommended for its ability to track the benchmark index effectively, providing reliable returns over time [4][5] Investment Strategy - Consistency in investing is emphasized as a more effective approach than seeking high-risk stocks; many investors have lost money chasing lesser-known stocks [3][7] - Historical data suggests that investing in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF could yield significant returns over time, with a hypothetical investment of $5,000 monthly potentially growing to over $1.3 million [7] Time to Millionaire Status - The S&P 500 has an average annualized return of approximately 10.5% over the last century, which serves as a basis for estimating the time required to reach $1 million [9] - A table outlines the estimated time to reach millionaire status based on monthly investments, showing that larger contributions do not proportionally reduce the time needed due to the effects of compounding [11][12] Volatility and Inflation Considerations - Market volatility can impact actual investment outcomes, but consistent monthly investments can help mitigate these effects [13] - The estimated returns do not account for inflation, suggesting that investors may need to adjust their monthly contributions or expectations over time [14]