GOOG vs SPY: Alphabet Inc. (Class C Capital Stock) vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This GOOG vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Alphabet Inc. (Class C Capital Stock) 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 Alphabet Inc. (Class C Capital Stock) and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 2004 to 2025 (22 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 22-year comparison period, Alphabet Inc. (Class C Capital Stock) outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 14 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Alphabet Inc. (Class C Capital Stock) in 8 years.
GOOG - Alphabet Inc. (Class C Capital Stock)
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: GOOG with an average annual return of 30.41% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding GOOG vs SPY Performance
When comparing Alphabet Inc. (Class C Capital Stock) 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 Alphabet Inc. (Class C Capital Stock) grew to $979,772, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | GOOG Return | GOOG Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 2005 | +92.14% | $19,213.67 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | +81.39% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2006 | +104.66% | $39,322.11 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | +99.33% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2007 | +5.80% | $41,603.39 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | -8.04% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2008 | +47.88% | $61,523.79 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | +42.55% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2009 | -55.10% | $27,624.16 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | -18.86% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2010 | +92.95% | $53,300.21 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | +70.29% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2011 | -5.23% | $50,512.53 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | -18.37% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2012 | +6.88% | $53,985.33 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | +6.02% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2013 | +6.31% | $57,390.40 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | -7.86% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2014 | +54.95% | $88,929.13 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | +25.95% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2015 | -5.32% | $84,194.17 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | -19.89% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2016 | +45.00% | $122,079.78 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | +43.71% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2017 | +4.04% | $127,013.38 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | -9.54% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2018 | +33.11% | $169,062.51 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | +12.32% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2019 | -2.76% | $164,397.00 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | +2.49% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2020 | +27.84% | $210,165.97 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | -3.25% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2021 | +28.12% | $269,265.51 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | +10.89% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2022 | +67.43% | $450,830.87 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | +36.92% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2023 | -38.84% | $275,735.79 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | -20.19% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2024 | +57.11% | $433,215.70 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | +30.40% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2025 | +36.95% | $593,279.08 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | +11.36% (GOOG) | GOOG |
| 2026 | +65.15% | $979,771.79 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | +47.48% (GOOG) | GOOG |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means GOOG outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Alphabet Inc. (Class C Capital Stock)
GOOG
Alphabet Inc. is a global technology conglomerate best known for its Google search engine and Android mobile operating system. Alphabet was created as a holding company for Google's various interests, including its core internet services (search, ads, Chrome, YouTube), hardware products (Pixel phones, Nest devices), and other ventures such as Waymo (self-driving cars) and Verily (life sciences). The company's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.
Key Innovations
- ✓Revolutionized information access with its search engine, becoming the dominant platform for online information retrieval.
- ✓Developed Android, the world's most popular mobile operating system, powering billions of devices globally.
- ✓Leading advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and autonomous driving technology, shaping the future of technology and human interaction.
Business Segments
- Google ServicesIncludes products and services like Android, Chrome, Google Maps, Google Play, Search, YouTube, and hardware products such as Google Pixel phones and Nest devices.
- Google CloudProvides enterprise-grade cloud computing services to businesses, including infrastructure, platform, and industry-specific solutions.
- Other BetsComprises a portfolio of early-stage technologies and businesses, such as Waymo (self-driving technology), Verily (life sciences), and Wing (drone delivery).
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
- ETFPassive 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.