COF vs SPY: Capital One Financial Corporation vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This COF vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Capital One Financial 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 Capital One Financial 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 1994 to 2025 (32 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 32-year comparison period, Capital One Financial Corporation outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 16 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Capital One Financial Corporation in 16 years.
COF - Capital One Financial Corporation
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: COF with an average annual return of 19.14% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding COF vs SPY Performance
When comparing Capital One Financial 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 Capital One Financial Corporation grew to $579,778, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | COF Return | COF Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1995 | - | $10,000.00 | +0.67% | $10,943.47 | -0.67% (SPY) | SPY |
| 1996 | +50.77% | $15,076.89 | +37.39% | $15,035.16 | +13.38% (COF) | COF |
| 1997 | +55.74% | $23,481.06 | +21.20% | $18,223.19 | +34.54% (COF) | COF |
| 1998 | +59.51% | $37,453.98 | +33.14% | $24,261.81 | +26.37% (COF) | COF |
| 1999 | +112.73% | $79,675.32 | +28.03% | $31,063.11 | +84.70% (COF) | COF |
| 2000 | +24.92% | $99,532.62 | +20.66% | $37,482.18 | +4.26% (COF) | COF |
| 2001 | +42.81% | $142,147.12 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | +51.66% (COF) | COF |
| 2002 | -12.73% | $124,048.40 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | -2.60% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2003 | -43.88% | $69,610.91 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | -21.46% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2004 | +93.71% | $134,844.91 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | +69.53% (COF) | COF |
| 2005 | +40.04% | $188,834.53 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | +29.29% (COF) | COF |
| 2006 | +3.25% | $194,963.83 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | -2.08% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2007 | -11.56% | $172,420.76 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | -25.41% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2008 | -38.73% | $105,643.84 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | -44.06% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2009 | -30.41% | $73,520.28 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | +5.83% (COF) | COF |
| 2010 | +18.82% | $87,359.69 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | -3.83% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2011 | +9.54% | $95,693.79 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | -3.60% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2012 | -2.79% | $93,025.45 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | -3.64% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2013 | +32.91% | $123,637.44 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | +18.74% (COF) | COF |
| 2014 | +26.95% | $156,960.39 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | -2.05% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2015 | +8.56% | $170,402.45 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | -6.00% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2016 | -10.84% | $151,922.31 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | -12.13% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2017 | +26.28% | $191,848.55 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | +12.69% (COF) | COF |
| 2018 | +14.17% | $219,030.40 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | -6.61% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2019 | -22.79% | $169,114.84 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | -17.54% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2020 | +35.62% | $229,354.37 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | +4.53% (COF) | COF |
| 2021 | -3.32% | $221,750.78 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | -20.55% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2022 | +50.86% | $334,536.52 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | +20.36% (COF) | COF |
| 2023 | -36.03% | $214,016.82 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | -17.38% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2024 | +44.30% | $308,833.34 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | +17.59% (COF) | COF |
| 2025 | +37.21% | $423,734.86 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | +11.62% (COF) | COF |
| 2026 | +36.83% | $579,777.75 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | +19.16% (COF) | COF |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means COF outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Capital One Financial Corporation
COF
Capital One Financial Corporation is an American bank holding company specializing in credit cards, auto loans, banking, and savings accounts. The company leverages technology and data analytics to provide personalized financial solutions to consumers, small businesses, and commercial clients.
Key Innovations
- ✓Pioneered the use of data analytics and information-based strategies to offer highly customized credit card products.
- ✓Introduced a direct marketing approach that revolutionized how credit card products were offered to consumers.
Business Segments
- Credit CardOffers a diverse range of credit card products and services to consumers in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
- Consumer BankingProvides various banking services, including checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, and retail and auto loans.
- Commercial BankingServes businesses of all sizes with lending solutions, treasury management, and other financial services.
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.