SPY vs XLF: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This SPY vs XLF comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund 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 Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund 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
Over the 28-year comparison period, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund in 14 years, while Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 14 years.
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
XLF - Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund
Overall Winner: SPY with an average annual return of 11.71% (vs 7.82% for XLF)
Understanding SPY vs XLF Performance
When comparing SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund, 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 $44,889 for Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | XLF Return | XLF Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1994 | +8.71% | $10,870.91 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1995 | +0.67% | $10,943.47 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1996 | +37.39% | $15,035.16 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1997 | +21.20% | $18,223.19 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1998 | +33.14% | $24,261.81 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1999 | +28.03% | $31,063.11 | +0.54% | $10,053.62 | +27.50% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2000 | +20.66% | $37,482.18 | +2.67% | $10,321.83 | +18.00% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2001 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | +30.76% | $13,496.46 | -39.61% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2002 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | -6.81% | $12,576.71 | -3.32% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2003 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | -14.64% | $10,735.65 | -7.78% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2004 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | +25.91% | $13,517.60 | -1.73% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2005 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | +11.02% | $15,006.90 | -0.27% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2006 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | +6.59% | $15,995.64 | -1.26% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2007 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | +16.93% | $18,703.99 | -3.09% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2008 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | -19.57% | $15,043.66 | +24.90% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2009 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | -54.00% | $6,920.72 | +17.76% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2010 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | +16.27% | $8,046.39 | +6.39% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2011 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | +9.69% | $8,826.48 | +3.44% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2012 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | -18.92% | $7,156.36 | +19.77% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2013 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | +25.14% | $8,955.64 | -10.97% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2014 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | +31.67% | $11,791.99 | -2.67% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2015 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | +15.69% | $13,641.99 | -1.13% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2016 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | -1.77% | $13,400.52 | +3.06% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2017 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | +24.82% | $16,727.17 | -11.24% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2018 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | +20.65% | $20,181.45 | +0.13% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2019 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | -13.08% | $17,541.06 | +7.84% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2020 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | +30.78% | $22,939.48 | +0.31% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2021 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | -2.68% | $22,323.60 | +19.92% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2022 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | +36.65% | $30,505.64 | -6.15% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2023 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | -11.67% | $26,944.97 | -6.97% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2024 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | +11.64% | $30,081.16 | +15.07% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2025 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | +30.00% | $39,106.41 | -4.41% (XLF) | XLF |
| 2026 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | +14.79% | $44,889.14 | +2.87% (SPY) | SPY |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means SPY outperformed XLF that year.
Company Profiles
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.
Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund
XLF
XLF seeks to provide investment results that, before expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Financial Select Sector Index.
Business Segments
- ETFUS Financial Sector Equities
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.