How to invest in the S&P 500 from Chile: complete 2026 guide
To invest in S&P 500 companies, you can use Skipo, a Chilean digital asset platform registered with the CMF. On Skipo you get access to tokenized stocks of the index's leading companies (such as Apple, NVIDIA and Alphabet) through xStocks, with no fees and directly in pesos. You can start at CLP 1,000.
What will we cover in this article?
In this guide we explain what the S&P 500 is, why it is considered the most important stock index in the world, which companies make it up and how it has performed in recent years. We also show you the different ways to invest in the S&P 500 from Chile, how to do it step by step with Skipo through tokenized stocks via xStocks and the advantages over other platforms. If you are looking for hassle-free exposure to the US market, this guide is for you.
What is the S&P 500?
The S&P 500 (Standard & Poor's 500) is a stock index that groups the 500 largest US companies listed on the NYSE and NASDAQ exchanges. It is widely recognized as the best indicator of the US equity market, covering approximately 80% of the country's total stock market capitalization.
The index was created in 1957 by Standard & Poor's and works on a market capitalization weighting system. This means the largest companies have more influence on the index's performance. If Apple rises 2%, its impact is much greater than that of a company with a smaller capitalization within the same index.
The S&P 500 is not a stock or a fund: it is a benchmark. To invest in it, you use instruments that replicate its composition, such as ETFs or tokenized stocks.
The S&P 500 in numbers
As of April 2026, according to data from FRED (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis) and Google Finance, the S&P 500 trades at around 6,850 points, with a total market capitalization of more than US$61 trillion.
The index's performance over the last three years has been remarkable: a total return of 26.3% in 2023, 25% in 2024 and 17.9% in 2025, according to data from First Trust Advisors. Three consecutive years of exceptional performance, driven mainly by corporate earnings growth and the expansion of the tech sector tied to artificial intelligence.
Historically, the S&P 500 has delivered an annualized return of close to 10% since 1957, including reinvested dividends. It is one of the most consistent benchmarks in the global market.
In short: the S&P 500 represents the best of the US economy, bringing together the largest and most profitable companies in the world in a single index.
The companies leading the index
As of January 2026, according to Google Finance, the top 10 companies by weight in the index are: NVIDIA, Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Broadcom, Meta Platforms, Tesla, Berkshire Hathaway and Eli Lilly. The top 10 alone account for approximately 38% of the index's total capitalization.
The concentration in the tech sector is clear: information technology makes up about 30% of the index. This explains why the S&P 500 has performed so strongly in the age of artificial intelligence.
Many of these companies are available as tokenized stocks on Skipo. You can buy Apple, Alphabet (Google), NVIDIA and Tesla, among others, directly from the app.
Ways to invest in the S&P 500
There are several ways to access the S&P 500's performance:
Traditional ETFs. The best known are SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust), VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) and IVV (iShares Core S&P 500 ETF). They replicate the composition of the index and trade like stocks.
Mutual funds. Some Chilean mutual funds invest partly in S&P 500 companies, but they usually have high management fees and less transparency about their composition.
Tokenized stocks. Through platforms like Skipo, you can buy fractions of the leading S&P 500 companies directly in pesos, with no fees and 24 hours a day. Tokenized stocks (xStocks) represent the underlying shares and let you build your own exposure to the index by buying its main components.
The advantage of tokenized stocks is clear: fractional access, no fees, in pesos and available 24/7 or 24/5 depending on the xStock.
Why is the S&P 500 interesting for investors?
A proven historical track record
Few assets in the world have such a long, documented history. With an average annualized return of close to 10% over almost 70 years, the S&P 500 is the benchmark for long-term investing. Even through crises such as the dot-com bubble (2000), the global financial crisis (2008) and the pandemic (2020), the index has shown a consistent ability to recover.
Diversification in a single investment
Investing in S&P 500 companies gives you exposure to 11 different economic sectors: technology, healthcare, financials, consumer, energy, industrials and more. Instead of depending on the performance of a single company, you spread the risk across the 500 largest companies in the US.
Exposure to the world's largest market
The United States accounts for about half of global stock market capitalization. S&P 500 companies do not only operate in the US: they are multinational companies with revenue from all over the world. When you invest in Apple or Amazon, you are investing in businesses with a global presence.
Relevance for investors
The Chilean stock market (IPSA) has a significantly smaller capitalization and is concentrated in sectors such as retail, banking and commodities. Accessing the S&P 500 lets you complement a local portfolio with exposure to sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence and healthcare, which have little representation on the Chilean stock exchange.
If you already have investments in Bitcoin or Ethereum, adding stocks of S&P 500 companies to your portfolio is an effective way to diversify across different asset classes.
The S&P 500 combines historical strength, sector diversification and global exposure: three key ingredients for any long-term investment strategy.
Advantages of investing in S&P 500 stocks with Skipo
24/7 or 24/5 availability depending on the xStock
Unlike other platforms that only operate during market hours, on Skipo you can buy and sell tokenized stocks 24 hours a day: some, like Apple, NVIDIA, Tesla or the S&P 500, trade 24/7, and the rest 24/5, Monday to Friday. If you want to take advantage of an opportunity on a Sunday at 11 p.m. with one of those that trade 24/7, you can.
No fees
At Skipo we do not charge fees for buying, selling, custody, maintenance or internal transfers. This means 100% of what you invest goes directly into your position. On other platforms, between the purchase fee, the exchange rate spread and transfer costs, you can easily lose between 1% and 3% of your investment before you even start.
Direct purchase in pesos
You do not need to convert to dollars or go through currency intermediaries. You deposit pesos in your Skipo account and buy directly. This eliminates the exchange rate spread and simplifies the whole process.
Security and registration with the CMF
Skipo is registered in the CMF's Registry of Financial Service Providers, and its authorization to operate is in process under the Fintech Law (Law No. 21.521). It also holds ISO 27001 certification, which certifies that it manages information security according to an international standard.
Full diversification on a single platform
In addition to tokenized stocks of S&P 500 companies, on Skipo you can invest in cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, XRP and more), tokenized gold (PAXG, GLDx) and activate your interest-bearing account in USDT or AVAX. All from the same app.
Comparison table: Skipo vs other platforms
| Criterion | Skipo | International broker |
|---|---|---|
| Buy/sell fee | CLP 0 | US$1 to US$10 per trade |
| Custody/maintenance | CLP 0 | Variable (some charge for inactivity) |
| Exchange rate spread | No spread — you buy in pesos | 1% to 3% for USD conversion |
| Trading hours | 24/7 or 24/5 depending on the xStock | Monday to Friday, NYSE hours |
| Settlement | Instant | T+1 to T+2 business days |
| Fractional purchase | Yes, starting at CLP 1,000 | Some brokers, with restrictions |
| Registration and certification | CMF registration + ISO 27001 | Regulator of the home country |
| Range of assets | Crypto + xStocks + PAXG | Stocks and ETFs only |
With Skipo you remove the classic barriers to international investing: no fees, no conversion to dollars, without Wall Street's limited hours, and operating on a platform registered with the CMF.
How do you invest in tokenized S&P 500 stocks on Skipo? Step by step
- Download the Skipo app — Available on the App Store and Google Play. Search for "Skipo" and download it for free.
- Create your account — Sign up with your email and verify your identity.
- Deposit — Transfer pesos from your bank account or crypto from other wallets. The deposit shows up in your Skipo account in seconds.
- Search for the stock you want to buy — In the xStocks section, search for the S&P 500 company you are interested in: Apple, NVIDIA, Alphabet, Tesla and more. You will see the current price and the asset's chart.
- Buy — Choose the amount in pesos you want to invest (starting at CLP 1,000). Confirm and you are done: the trade executes instantly.
If you want to learn more about specific companies available, see our guides on how to buy Apple stock and how to buy Alphabet (Google) stock.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy the S&P 500 directly on Skipo?
The S&P 500 is an index, not a stock. It cannot be bought directly. What you can do on Skipo is invest in tokenized stocks of the companies that make up the index, such as Apple, NVIDIA, Alphabet and Tesla, among others.
How much do I need to start investing?
On Skipo you can start at CLP 1,000. You do not need the full price of a share to get exposure.
What are tokenized stocks (xStocks)?
They are digital representations of real stocks that are traded using blockchain technology. The main benefits are 24/7 or 24/5 availability depending on the xStock, and no fees. You can read more in our complete guide to tokenized stocks.
Is it safe to invest with Skipo?
Skipo is registered with the CMF and holds ISO 27001 certification. It is a Chilean platform that manages information security according to that international standard.
Do I have to convert my pesos to dollars?
No. On Skipo you buy directly in pesos, with no need for conversion and no exchange rate spread.
What is the difference between buying an S&P 500 ETF and tokenized stocks?
An ETF like SPY or VOO automatically replicates the index's 500 companies in a single purchase. With tokenized stocks, you choose which S&P 500 companies to buy and in what proportion. Both approaches are valid; tokenized stocks give you more control and flexibility, with no fees and 24/7 or 24/5 availability depending on the xStock.
Start investing in S&P 500 companies today
The S&P 500 is the most followed index in the world for a reason: it brings together the largest, most profitable and most diversified companies in the global economy. Now you can access its main components simply, securely and with no fees.
At Skipo we offer you access to tokenized stocks of leading S&P 500 companies, direct purchase in pesos, instant settlement and a platform registered with the CMF.
Download the Skipo app and start investing in S&P 500 companies today.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Asset prices can go up or down, and all investments carry risk. Before investing, assess your personal financial situation.
