FXI vs SPY: iShares China Large-Cap ETF vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This FXI vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of iShares China Large-Cap ETF 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 iShares China Large-Cap ETF and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

Compare Stock Performance

Select two stocks and an investment amount to see how they compare over time.

Compare any two stocks to see which performed better historically

Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 2004 to 2025 (22 years)

Head-to-Head Record

9
FXI Wins
0
Ties
13
SPY Wins

Over the 22-year comparison period, iShares China Large-Cap ETF outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 9 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed iShares China Large-Cap ETF in 13 years.

FXI - iShares China Large-Cap ETF

Average Annual Return:+8.29%
Best Year:+79.18% (2006)
Worst Year:-47.01% (2008)
Win Rate:63.6% (14/22 years)
Total Value:$27,743.24
Total Gain:+$17,743.24 (+177.43%)

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%)

Overall Winner: SPY with an average annual return of 11.71% (vs 8.29% for FXI)

Understanding FXI vs SPY Performance

When comparing iShares China Large-Cap ETF 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 iShares China Large-Cap ETF grew to $27,743, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearFXI ReturnFXI CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
2004 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
2005+3.37%$10,337.31+10.75%$32,760.13-7.37% (SPY)SPY
2006+13.98%$11,782.39+5.32%$34,504.59+8.65% (FXI)FXI
2007+79.18%$21,112.22+13.84%$39,281.03+65.34% (FXI)FXI
2008+48.17%$31,282.84+5.33%$41,375.53+42.84% (FXI)FXI
2009-47.01%$16,575.94-36.24%$26,382.38-10.78% (SPY)SPY
2010+37.78%$22,837.71+22.65%$32,359.23+15.12% (FXI)FXI
2011+1.43%$23,163.62+13.14%$36,610.39-11.71% (SPY)SPY
2012-18.75%$18,820.63+0.85%$36,922.44-19.60% (SPY)SPY
2013+15.49%$21,735.17+14.17%$42,154.69+1.31% (FXI)FXI
2014-5.41%$20,558.62+29.00%$54,380.19-34.41% (SPY)SPY
2015+15.21%$23,684.67+14.56%$62,298.86+0.64% (FXI)FXI
2016-13.03%$20,598.39+1.29%$63,101.60-14.32% (SPY)SPY
2017+4.44%$21,512.45+13.59%$71,674.43-9.15% (SPY)SPY
2018+34.55%$28,945.57+20.78%$86,569.38+13.77% (FXI)FXI
2019-16.19%$24,260.68-5.25%$82,026.91-10.94% (SPY)SPY
2020+15.85%$28,106.11+31.09%$107,527.02-15.24% (SPY)SPY
2021+5.88%$29,759.90+17.24%$126,059.55-11.35% (SPY)SPY
2022-19.84%$23,855.98+30.51%$164,514.60-50.34% (SPY)SPY
2023-20.59%$18,943.17-18.65%$133,838.54-1.95% (SPY)SPY
2024-15.47%$16,012.93+26.71%$169,585.78-42.18% (SPY)SPY
2025+33.36%$21,355.62+25.59%$212,981.61+7.78% (FXI)FXI
2026+29.91%$27,743.24+17.66%$250,597.02+12.25% (FXI)FXI

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

Company Profiles

1

iShares China Large-Cap ETF

FXI

FXI seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large-capitalization Chinese equities that trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Business Segments

  • ETF
    Chinese Equities
2

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.

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.