RJF vs SPY: Raymond James Financial, Inc. vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This RJF vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of Raymond James Financial, 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 Raymond James Financial, Inc. and SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust have historically performed against each other.

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)

Head-to-Head Record

22
RJF Wins
0
Ties
11
SPY Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, Raymond James Financial, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 22 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed Raymond James Financial, Inc. in 11 years.

RJF - Raymond James Financial, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+21.69%
Best Year:+148.12% (1991)
Worst Year:-45.36% (2008)
Win Rate:80.0% (32/40 years)
Total Value:$5,431,271.06
Total Gain:+$5,421,271.06 (+54212.71%)

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: RJF with an average annual return of 21.69% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding RJF vs SPY Performance

When comparing Raymond James Financial, 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 Raymond James Financial, Inc. grew to $5,431,271, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearRJF ReturnRJF CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1986 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1987+1.37%$10,136.96---Tie
1988-24.54%$7,648.98---Tie
1989+15.67%$8,847.64---Tie
1990+41.13%$12,487.06---Tie
1991+18.31%$14,773.50---Tie
1992+148.12%$36,656.52---Tie
1993+10.36%$40,452.83---Tie
1994+12.35%$45,448.92+8.71%$10,870.91+3.64% (RJF)RJF
1995-10.68%$40,593.70+0.67%$10,943.47-11.35% (SPY)SPY
1996+55.91%$63,288.82+37.39%$15,035.16+18.52% (RJF)RJF
1997+49.40%$94,555.35+21.20%$18,223.19+28.20% (RJF)RJF
1998+111.25%$199,746.24+33.14%$24,261.81+78.11% (RJF)RJF
1999-17.50%$164,787.69+28.03%$31,063.11-45.53% (SPY)SPY
2000-13.83%$141,996.12+20.66%$37,482.18-34.50% (SPY)SPY
2001+100.34%$284,469.38-8.85%$34,165.23+109.19% (RJF)RJF
2002+1.28%$288,116.94-10.13%$30,703.75+11.41% (RJF)RJF
2003-13.99%$247,823.65-22.42%$23,820.14+8.43% (RJF)RJF
2004+26.41%$313,286.21+24.18%$29,580.86+2.23% (RJF)RJF
2005+26.57%$396,513.69+10.75%$32,760.13+15.82% (RJF)RJF
2006+24.72%$494,543.51+5.32%$34,504.59+19.40% (RJF)RJF
2007+19.35%$590,240.90+13.84%$39,281.03+5.51% (RJF)RJF
2008+7.33%$633,534.01+5.33%$41,375.53+2.00% (RJF)RJF
2009-45.36%$346,139.84-36.24%$26,382.38-9.13% (SPY)SPY
2010+34.84%$466,729.20+22.65%$32,359.23+12.18% (RJF)RJF
2011+36.97%$639,264.19+13.14%$36,610.39+23.83% (RJF)RJF
2012-4.62%$609,734.44+0.85%$36,922.44-5.47% (SPY)SPY
2013+22.00%$743,854.04+14.17%$42,154.69+7.83% (RJF)RJF
2014+32.21%$983,481.67+29.00%$54,380.19+3.21% (RJF)RJF
2015+12.50%$1,106,428.03+14.56%$62,298.86-2.06% (SPY)SPY
2016+2.78%$1,137,238.82+1.29%$63,101.60+1.50% (RJF)RJF
2017+24.82%$1,419,449.59+13.59%$71,674.43+11.23% (RJF)RJF
2018+29.22%$1,834,242.55+20.78%$86,569.38+8.44% (RJF)RJF
2019-15.47%$1,550,491.41-5.25%$82,026.91-10.22% (SPY)SPY
2020+22.85%$1,904,708.10+31.09%$107,527.02-8.24% (SPY)SPY
2021+7.12%$2,040,329.07+17.24%$126,059.55-10.11% (SPY)SPY
2022+61.60%$3,297,238.80+30.51%$164,514.60+31.10% (RJF)RJF
2023+5.37%$3,474,249.10-18.65%$133,838.54+24.01% (RJF)RJF
2024+6.86%$3,712,577.39+26.71%$169,585.78-19.85% (SPY)SPY
2025+39.83%$5,191,233.34+25.59%$212,981.61+14.24% (RJF)RJF
2026+4.62%$5,431,271.06+17.66%$250,597.02-13.04% (SPY)SPY

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

Company Profiles

1

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

RJF

Raymond James Financial is a diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities.

Key Innovations

  • Client-first service model

Business Segments

  • Private Client Group
    Financial planning and wealth management.
  • Capital Markets
    Investment banking and institutional sales.
  • Asset Management
    Portfolio management.
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.