SPY vs WRB: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs W. R. Berkley Corporation Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This SPY vs WRB comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and W. R. Berkley Corporation 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 SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and W. R. Berkley Corporation have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1993 to 2025 (33 years)

Head-to-Head Record

15
SPY Wins
0
Ties
18
WRB Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed W. R. Berkley Corporation in 15 years, while W. R. Berkley Corporation outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 18 years.

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%)

WRB - W. R. Berkley Corporation

Average Annual Return:+17.51%
Best Year:+137.43% (2000)
Worst Year:-35.71% (1999)
Win Rate:77.5% (31/40 years)
Total Value:$2,355,200.76
Total Gain:+$2,345,200.76 (+23452.01%)

Overall Winner: WRB with an average annual return of 17.51% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding SPY vs WRB Performance

When comparing SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and W. R. Berkley Corporation, 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 SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust grew to $250,597, compared to $2,355,201 for W. R. Berkley Corporation over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeWRB ReturnWRB CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1993 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1994+8.71%$10,870.91-17.58%$22,345.91+26.29% (SPY)SPY
1995+0.67%$10,943.47+9.22%$24,406.79-8.56% (WRB)WRB
1996+37.39%$15,035.16+45.04%$35,399.77-7.65% (WRB)WRB
1997+21.20%$18,223.19-3.62%$34,118.18+24.82% (SPY)SPY
1998+33.14%$24,261.81+31.13%$44,739.12+2.01% (SPY)SPY
1999+28.03%$31,063.11-19.57%$35,984.99+47.60% (SPY)SPY
2000+20.66%$37,482.18-35.71%$23,135.21+56.37% (SPY)SPY
2001-8.85%$34,165.23+137.43%$54,929.39-146.28% (WRB)WRB
2002-10.13%$30,703.75+16.67%$64,087.83-26.80% (WRB)WRB
2003-22.42%$23,820.14+13.55%$72,770.68-35.97% (WRB)WRB
2004+24.18%$29,580.86+33.51%$97,157.61-9.33% (WRB)WRB
2005+10.75%$32,760.13+33.98%$130,168.70-23.23% (WRB)WRB
2006+5.32%$34,504.59+53.60%$199,944.84-48.28% (WRB)WRB
2007+13.84%$39,281.03+7.09%$214,126.83+6.75% (SPY)SPY
2008+5.33%$41,375.53-13.19%$185,888.18+18.52% (SPY)SPY
2009-36.24%$26,382.38+7.55%$199,917.40-43.78% (WRB)WRB
2010+22.65%$32,359.23-18.59%$162,748.68+41.25% (SPY)SPY
2011+13.14%$36,610.39+12.85%$183,667.72+0.28% (SPY)SPY
2012+0.85%$36,922.44+25.47%$230,450.20-24.62% (WRB)WRB
2013+14.17%$42,154.69+14.21%$263,189.73-0.04% (WRB)WRB
2014+29.00%$54,380.19+13.39%$298,433.39+15.61% (SPY)SPY
2015+14.56%$62,298.86+23.21%$367,687.26-8.64% (WRB)WRB
2016+1.29%$63,101.60+9.06%$401,017.58-7.78% (WRB)WRB
2017+13.59%$71,674.43+28.15%$513,884.92-14.56% (WRB)WRB
2018+20.78%$86,569.38+9.92%$564,842.48+10.87% (SPY)SPY
2019-5.25%$82,026.91+8.40%$612,263.75-13.64% (WRB)WRB
2020+31.09%$107,527.02+46.76%$898,548.21-15.67% (WRB)WRB
2021+17.24%$126,059.55-2.94%$872,087.23+20.18% (SPY)SPY
2022+30.51%$164,514.60+30.30%$1,136,299.57+0.21% (SPY)SPY
2023-18.65%$133,838.54+35.79%$1,542,932.13-54.43% (WRB)WRB
2024+26.71%$169,585.78+0.23%$1,546,535.11+26.48% (SPY)SPY
2025+25.59%$212,981.61+24.67%$1,928,042.11+0.92% (SPY)SPY
2026+17.66%$250,597.02+22.16%$2,355,200.76-4.49% (WRB)WRB

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

Company Profiles

1

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.
2

W. R. Berkley Corporation

WRB

W. R. Berkley Corporation is an insurance holding company that is among the largest commercial lines writers in the United States and operates worldwide in two segments of the property casualty insurance business: Insurance and Reinsurance & Monoline Excess.

Key Innovations

  • Decentralized business unit model

Business Segments

  • Insurance
    Commercial property and casualty insurance.
  • Reinsurance & Monoline Excess
    Reinsurance on a portfolio or individual basis.

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.