HOOD vs SPY: Robinhood Markets, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This HOOD vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Robinhood Markets, 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 Robinhood Markets, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 2021 to 2025 (5 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 5-year comparison period, Robinhood Markets, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 3 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Robinhood Markets, Inc. in 2 years.
HOOD - Robinhood Markets, Inc.
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Overall Winner: HOOD with an average annual return of 68.16% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding HOOD vs SPY Performance
When comparing Robinhood Markets, 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 Robinhood Markets, Inc. grew to $30,664, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | HOOD Return | HOOD Cumulative | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 2022 | -48.99% | $5,100.52 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | -79.50% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2023 | -55.86% | $2,251.53 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | -37.21% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2024 | +57.67% | $3,550.06 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | +30.96% (HOOD) | HOOD |
| 2025 | +201.21% | $10,693.23 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | +175.62% (HOOD) | HOOD |
| 2026 | +186.76% | $30,664.41 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | +169.10% (HOOD) | HOOD |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means HOOD outperformed SPY that year.
Company Profiles
Robinhood Markets, Inc.
HOOD
Robinhood Markets, Inc. is a leading financial technology company that pioneered the commission-free trading model to democratize finance for all. As of 2026, the company has evolved from a mobile-first brokerage into a comprehensive global financial platform. It provides retail investors with access to equities, options, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and cryptocurrencies. Robinhood's ecosystem now includes sophisticated wealth management tools, retirement accounts with matching contributions, a premium subscription service (Robinhood Gold), and a growing credit and banking suite. The company has significantly expanded its international footprint, particularly in the United Kingdom and the European Union, while integrating advanced AI-driven research and asset tokenization into its core user experience.
Key Innovations
- ✓Zero-Commission Trading: Disrupted the traditional brokerage industry by removing per-trade fees for retail investors.
- ✓24/5 Market Access: The first major U.S. retail brokerage to offer round-the-clock trading for hundreds of stocks and ETFs.
- ✓Robinhood Retirement: Introduced the industry's first IRA with a 1% to 3% matching contribution for all eligible deposits.
- ✓Fractional Shares: Allowed users to invest in high-priced stocks with as little as $1, increasing accessibility.
- ✓Asset Tokenization (2025/26): Pioneered the use of blockchain technology to offer tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs to international markets, specifically in the EU.
- ✓AI Investment Research: Integrated personalized, AI-powered portfolio analysis and research through the acquisition of Pluto Capital.
Business Segments
- Transaction-Based RevenueThe company's primary revenue driver, earned from routing customer orders in options, cryptocurrencies, and equities to market makers (Payment for Order Flow) and transaction fees from its crypto-exchange operations.
- Net Interest RevenueRevenue generated from interest earned on customer cash balances, margin lending to active traders, and income from its securities lending program.
- Other RevenueIncludes recurring subscription fees from 'Robinhood Gold' members, interchange fees from the Robinhood Gold Card, and media revenue from its financial news subsidiary, Sherwood Media.
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.