INTC vs SPY: Intel Corporation vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This INTC vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Intel Corporation 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 Intel Corporation and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.
Compare Stock Performance
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 33-year comparison period, Intel Corporation outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 17 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Intel Corporation in 16 years.
INTC - Intel Corporation
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: INTC with an average annual return of 19.40% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding INTC vs SPY Performance
When comparing Intel Corporation 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 Intel Corporation grew to $681,141, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | INTC Return | INTC Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1987 | -26.96% | $7,304.35 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1988 | +87.06% | $13,663.42 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1989 | -14.41% | $11,693.92 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1990 | +45.26% | $16,986.95 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1991 | +6.94% | $18,166.60 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1992 | +27.27% | $23,121.13 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1993 | +73.39% | $40,090.33 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1994 | +43.89% | $57,684.76 | +8.71% | $10,870.91 | +35.18% (INTC) | INTC |
| 1995 | +4.67% | $60,377.19 | +0.67% | $10,943.47 | +4.00% (INTC) | INTC |
| 1996 | +78.51% | $107,779.36 | +37.39% | $15,035.16 | +41.12% (INTC) | INTC |
| 1997 | +123.90% | $241,319.93 | +21.20% | $18,223.19 | +102.70% (INTC) | INTC |
| 1998 | +7.91% | $260,416.38 | +33.14% | $24,261.81 | -25.22% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1999 | +63.51% | $425,803.72 | +28.03% | $31,063.11 | +35.48% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2000 | +36.50% | $581,226.06 | +20.66% | $37,482.18 | +15.84% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2001 | -30.80% | $402,200.19 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | -21.95% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2002 | +1.51% | $408,265.74 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | +11.64% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2003 | -52.65% | $193,316.23 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | -30.23% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2004 | +92.75% | $372,611.34 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | +68.56% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2005 | -26.82% | $272,692.67 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | -37.56% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2006 | +9.64% | $298,967.55 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | +4.31% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2007 | -19.17% | $241,643.79 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | -33.02% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2008 | +33.57% | $322,769.12 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | +28.24% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2009 | -40.59% | $191,746.77 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | -4.36% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2010 | +38.79% | $266,126.46 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | +16.14% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2011 | +3.83% | $276,309.80 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | -9.31% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2012 | +20.43% | $332,752.18 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | +19.57% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2013 | -13.05% | $289,313.38 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | -27.23% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2014 | +26.27% | $365,305.18 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | -2.74% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2015 | +45.17% | $530,330.64 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | +30.61% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2016 | -2.40% | $517,591.02 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | -3.69% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2017 | +10.23% | $570,531.42 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | -3.36% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2018 | +29.69% | $739,923.47 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | +8.91% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2019 | +2.69% | $759,838.39 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | +7.94% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2020 | +30.30% | $990,035.42 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | -0.79% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2021 | -16.08% | $830,868.20 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | -33.31% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2022 | +6.37% | $883,817.95 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | -24.13% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2023 | -48.36% | $456,426.32 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | -29.71% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2024 | +92.38% | $878,067.23 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | +65.67% (INTC) | INTC |
| 2025 | -57.49% | $373,243.35 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | -83.08% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2026 | +82.49% | $681,141.44 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | +64.83% (INTC) | INTC |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means INTC outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Intel Corporation
INTC
Intel Corporation is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of semiconductor products and technologies that power the world’s computing infrastructure. As of 2026, the company is undergoing a massive strategic transformation under its IDM 2.0 (Integrated Device Manufacturing) model, positioning itself as a world-class 'systems foundry' for the AI era. Intel's operations span from consumer PC processors and data center CPUs to specialized AI accelerators and advanced semiconductor manufacturing services for external customers. The company is currently focused on reclaiming process technology leadership with its 'five nodes in four years' roadmap and the ramp-up of its Intel 18A manufacturing process.
Key Innovations
- ✓The 4004 (First commercially available microprocessor)
- ✓x86 Architecture (Industry standard for personal and server computing)
- ✓High-K Metal Gate and Tri-Gate (3D) transistor technology
- ✓Intel 18A process node featuring PowerVia and RibbonFET
- ✓Advanced Packaging (Foveros and EMIB)
- ✓Thunderbolt connectivity and Wi-Fi 7 standards leadership
Business Segments
- Client Computing Group (CCG)The largest revenue driver, focused on personal computing displays, notebooks, and desktop processors including the Intel Core Ultra and Panther Lake families.
- Data Center and AI (DCAI)Develops workload-optimized solutions for cloud service providers and enterprises, featuring Xeon processors and Gaudi AI accelerators.
- Intel FoundryAn independent business unit providing wafer fabrication, advanced packaging, and chiplet design services to both Intel and third-party 'fabless' chip companies.
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.