HIG vs SPY: The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This HIG vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. 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 The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1995 to 2025 (31 years)

Head-to-Head Record

18
HIG Wins
0
Ties
13
SPY Wins

Over the 31-year comparison period, The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 18 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. in 13 years.

HIG - The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.

Average Annual Return:+13.61%
Best Year:+59.11% (2000)
Worst Year:-79.27% (2008)
Win Rate:71.0% (22/31 years)
Total Value:$102,198.01
Total Gain:+$92,198.01 (+921.98%)

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: HIG with an average annual return of 13.61% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding HIG vs SPY Performance

When comparing The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. 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 The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. grew to $102,198, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearHIG ReturnHIG CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1995 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1996-2.76%$9,723.62+37.39%$15,035.16-40.15% (SPY)SPY
1997+43.23%$13,927.23+21.20%$18,223.19+22.03% (HIG)HIG
1998+45.51%$20,265.48+33.14%$24,261.81+12.37% (HIG)HIG
1999+20.87%$24,494.78+28.03%$31,063.11-7.16% (SPY)SPY
2000-12.73%$21,377.13+20.66%$37,482.18-33.39% (SPY)SPY
2001+59.11%$34,013.55-8.85%$34,165.23+67.96% (HIG)HIG
2002-4.99%$32,314.74-10.13%$30,703.75+5.14% (HIG)HIG
2003-25.93%$23,935.70-22.42%$23,820.14-3.51% (SPY)SPY
2004+28.79%$30,826.32+24.18%$29,580.86+4.60% (HIG)HIG
2005+19.60%$36,867.97+10.75%$32,760.13+8.85% (HIG)HIG
2006+26.77%$46,735.70+5.32%$34,504.59+21.44% (HIG)HIG
2007+8.10%$50,519.83+13.84%$39,281.03-5.75% (SPY)SPY
2008-5.13%$47,928.66+5.33%$41,375.53-10.46% (SPY)SPY
2009-79.27%$9,937.47-36.24%$26,382.38-43.03% (SPY)SPY
2010+38.10%$13,724.05+22.65%$32,359.23+15.45% (HIG)HIG
2011+12.01%$15,371.75+13.14%$36,610.39-1.13% (SPY)SPY
2012-40.39%$9,163.41+0.85%$36,922.44-41.24% (SPY)SPY
2013+36.31%$12,490.60+14.17%$42,154.69+22.14% (HIG)HIG
2014+55.37%$19,406.50+29.00%$54,380.19+26.37% (HIG)HIG
2015+19.87%$23,263.10+14.56%$62,298.86+5.31% (HIG)HIG
2016+5.87%$24,629.25+1.29%$63,101.60+4.58% (HIG)HIG
2017+13.83%$28,034.50+13.59%$71,674.43+0.24% (HIG)HIG
2018+19.99%$33,639.69+20.78%$86,569.38-0.79% (SPY)SPY
2019-17.76%$27,664.09-5.25%$82,026.91-12.52% (SPY)SPY
2020+43.03%$39,567.72+31.09%$107,527.02+11.94% (HIG)HIG
2021-17.23%$32,751.28+17.24%$126,059.55-34.46% (SPY)SPY
2022+46.29%$47,912.29+30.51%$164,514.60+15.79% (HIG)HIG
2023+11.55%$53,448.53-18.65%$133,838.54+30.20% (HIG)HIG
2024+9.24%$58,386.17+26.71%$169,585.78-17.47% (SPY)SPY
2025+36.81%$79,875.30+25.59%$212,981.61+11.22% (HIG)HIG
2026+27.95%$102,198.01+17.66%$250,597.02+10.29% (HIG)HIG

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

Company Profiles

1

The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.

HIG

The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. is a leading provider of insurance and financial services products in the United States and internationally. The company offers a wide range of property and casualty insurance, group benefits, and mutual funds to individuals, businesses, and institutions. The Hartford is known for its strong financial strength, diversified product portfolio, and commitment to helping customers protect what they value most.

Key Innovations

  • Pioneered various insurance products and risk management solutions, adapting to the evolving needs of businesses and individuals over two centuries.
  • Invests in digital capabilities and data analytics to enhance customer experience, streamline claims processing, and improve underwriting accuracy.

Business Segments

  • Commercial Lines
    Provides property and casualty insurance products to small, middle-market, and large businesses, including workers' compensation, general liability, and commercial auto.
  • Personal Lines
    Offers auto and homeowners insurance to individuals, often through affinity groups and direct channels.
  • Group Benefits
    Provides group life, disability, and voluntary benefits to employers and their employees.
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.