DDOG vs SPY: Datadog, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This DDOG vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Datadog, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.

Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how Datadog, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 2019 to 2025 (7 years)

Head-to-Head Record

3
DDOG Wins
0
Ties
4
SPY Wins

Over the 7-year comparison period, Datadog, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 3 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Datadog, Inc. in 4 years.

DDOG - Datadog, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+42.31%
Best Year:+168.23% (2020)
Worst Year:-55.14% (2022)
Win Rate:71.4% (5/7 years)
Total Value:$46,788.37
Total Gain:+$36,788.37 (+367.88%)

SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

Average Annual Return:+11.71%
Best Year:+37.39% (1995)
Worst Year:-36.24% (2008)
Win Rate:81.8% (27/33 years)
Total Value:$250,597.02
Total Gain:+$240,597.02 (+2405.97%)

Overall Winner: DDOG with an average annual return of 42.31% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding DDOG vs SPY Performance

When comparing Datadog, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.

Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.

Cumulative Growth Comparison

A $10,000 investment in Datadog, Inc. grew to $46,788, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearDDOG ReturnDDOG CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
2019 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
2020+0.61%$10,061.25+31.09%$107,527.02-30.47% (SPY)SPY
2021+168.23%$26,987.18+17.24%$126,059.55+150.99% (DDOG)DDOG
2022+95.23%$52,687.57+30.51%$164,514.60+64.73% (DDOG)DDOG
2023-55.14%$23,637.53-18.65%$133,838.54-36.49% (SPY)SPY
2024+68.37%$39,799.19+26.71%$169,585.78+41.66% (DDOG)DDOG
2025+24.17%$49,416.98+25.59%$212,981.61-1.42% (SPY)SPY
2026-5.32%$46,788.37+17.66%$250,597.02-22.98% (SPY)SPY

Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means DDOG outperformed SPY that year.

Company Profiles

1

Datadog, Inc.

DDOG

Datadog, Inc. is a leading American company that provides an observability and security platform for cloud-scale applications. It offers monitoring of servers, databases, tools, and services through a SaaS-based data analytics platform, helping organizations unify their development and operations teams.

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered a SaaS-based observability platform that unifies metrics, logs, and traces for cloud-scale applications.
  • Developed a single-agent architecture that simplifies deployment and data collection across complex cloud environments.

Business Segments

  • Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring
    Provides real-time monitoring of cloud-based infrastructure, including servers, containers, and serverless functions.
  • Application Performance Monitoring (APM)
    Offers end-to-end tracing and monitoring of applications to identify performance bottlenecks and errors.
  • Log Management
    Collects, processes, and analyzes logs from various sources to provide insights into application and infrastructure health.
2

SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust

SPY

SPY is the first exchange-traded fund (ETF) listed in the US. It is designed to track the S&P 500 Index, which measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the US equity market.

Key Innovations

  • First US-listed ETF

Business Segments

  • ETF
    Passive investment vehicle tracking the S&P 500.

How This Comparison Works

Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:

  • Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
  • Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
  • Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
  • Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates

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Important Disclaimer

This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.