That's a lot of money that won't go back into the economy to eat at restaurants, buy iPhones, or other things that the consumer has become accustomed to during the pause. Until the Federal Reserve sees inflation fall to its 2% pace, this rate will likely stay high, which dampens economic activity by making loans more expensive to businesses and consumers alike. An S&P 500 index fund like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: SPY) is a great way to invest in the broader market and should be a staple in nearly every portfolio because of its diversification.