SPY vs XOP: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This SPY vs XOP comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF 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 SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF 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

14
SPY Wins
0
Ties
6
XOP Wins

Over the 20-year comparison period, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF in 14 years, while SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 6 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%)

XOP - SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

Average Annual Return:+4.02%
Best Year:+65.24% (2021)
Worst Year:-43.65% (2008)
Win Rate:50.0% (10/20 years)
Total Value:$9,343.21
Total Gain:$-656.79 (-6.57%)

Overall Winner: SPY with an average annual return of 11.71% (vs 4.02% for XOP)

Understanding SPY vs XOP Performance

When comparing SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF, 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 $9,343 for SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeXOP ReturnXOP CumulativeDifferenceWinner
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---Tie
2000+20.66%$37,482.18---Tie
2001-8.85%$34,165.23---Tie
2002-10.13%$30,703.75---Tie
2003-22.42%$23,820.14---Tie
2004+24.18%$29,580.86---Tie
2005+10.75%$32,760.13---Tie
2006+5.32%$34,504.59---Tie
2007+13.84%$39,281.03+10.52%$11,052.27+3.32% (SPY)SPY
2008+5.33%$41,375.53+42.26%$15,722.40-36.92% (XOP)XOP
2009-36.24%$26,382.38-43.65%$8,858.94+7.42% (SPY)SPY
2010+22.65%$32,359.23+31.79%$11,675.42-9.14% (XOP)XOP
2011+13.14%$36,610.39+22.81%$14,339.02-9.68% (XOP)XOP
2012+0.85%$36,922.44-0.09%$14,325.77+0.94% (SPY)SPY
2013+14.17%$42,154.69+0.15%$14,347.02+14.02% (SPY)SPY
2014+29.00%$54,380.19+25.14%$17,954.30+3.86% (SPY)SPY
2015+14.56%$62,298.86-27.93%$12,940.05+42.49% (SPY)SPY
2016+1.29%$63,101.60-36.43%$8,225.71+37.72% (SPY)SPY
2017+13.59%$71,674.43+37.61%$11,319.42-24.02% (XOP)XOP
2018+20.78%$86,569.38-10.74%$10,103.55+31.52% (SPY)SPY
2019-5.25%$82,026.91-30.06%$7,066.80+24.81% (SPY)SPY
2020+31.09%$107,527.02-11.96%$6,221.61+43.05% (SPY)SPY
2021+17.24%$126,059.55-36.29%$3,963.65+53.53% (SPY)SPY
2022+30.51%$164,514.60+65.24%$6,549.71-34.74% (XOP)XOP
2023-18.65%$133,838.54+38.78%$9,089.57-57.42% (XOP)XOP
2024+26.71%$169,585.78+9.70%$9,970.93+17.01% (SPY)SPY
2025+25.59%$212,981.61-1.75%$9,796.62+27.34% (SPY)SPY
2026+17.66%$250,597.02-4.63%$9,343.21+22.29% (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 XOP 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

SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

XOP

XOP seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of the S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry Index.

Business Segments

  • ETF
    US Oil & Gas E&P 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.