I'd like to calculate the return of the SPX from March 1, 2018 to July 31, 2018 with dividends included. SPX pays out a 1.80% dividend: https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/040915/does-sp-500-index-include-dividends.asp. Although, I don't know when they are paid out.
According to this calculator http://www.moneychimp.com/features/portfolio_performance_calculator.htm, returns during that time without dividends were 12.88% annualized.
start = 2677.67
end = 2816.29
months = 5.06
(difference = 138.62)
return = 12.88%
I get a return of 5.18 x 2.37 = 12.28%
annualized.
How do I factor in dividends during the above time frame?