Buffett’s Steady-Win Strategy: Own the S&P 500 for Decades

Warren Buffett has long championed simply buying and holding a broad S&P 500 index fund as the core investment for most people, a stance he reinforced after winning a famous bet against active funds; Berkshire Hathaway’s estate plan reportedly directs 90% of cash to an S&P 500 ETF after his passing. The S&P 500 has weathered recessions and crashes, delivering about 750% total return since 2000 (roughly 10% annualized), illustrating how a low-cost, passive strategy paired with steady contributions can build substantial wealth over decades despite short-term volatility.