RTX vs SPY: RTX Corporation vs SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This RTX vs SPY comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of RTX 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 RTX Corporation 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 1986 to 2025 (40 years)

Head-to-Head Record

20
RTX Wins
0
Ties
13
SPY Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, RTX Corporation outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 20 years, while SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed RTX Corporation in 13 years.

RTX - RTX Corporation

Average Annual Return:+15.32%
Best Year:+60.40% (2025)
Worst Year:-27.22% (2008)
Win Rate:72.5% (29/40 years)
Total Value:$1,302,540.43
Total Gain:+$1,292,540.43 (+12925.40%)

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: RTX with an average annual return of 15.32% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding RTX vs SPY Performance

When comparing RTX 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 RTX Corporation grew to $1,302,540, compared to $250,597 for SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearRTX ReturnRTX CumulativeSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1986 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1987+7.37%$10,737.19---Tie
1988-25.29%$8,022.19---Tie
1989+22.92%$9,860.81---Tie
1990+39.52%$13,757.89---Tie
1991-10.59%$12,300.78---Tie
1992+18.10%$14,526.95---Tie
1993-6.91%$13,522.50---Tie
1994+31.18%$17,738.38+8.71%$10,870.91+22.47% (RTX)RTX
1995+8.00%$19,156.90+0.67%$10,943.47+7.33% (RTX)RTX
1996+54.94%$29,681.86+37.39%$15,035.16+17.55% (RTX)RTX
1997+44.09%$42,767.27+21.20%$18,223.19+22.88% (RTX)RTX
1998+12.75%$48,221.31+33.14%$24,261.81-20.38% (SPY)SPY
1999+50.97%$72,800.71+28.03%$31,063.11+22.94% (RTX)RTX
2000+21.77%$88,648.34+20.66%$37,482.18+1.10% (RTX)RTX
2001+27.49%$113,017.09-8.85%$34,165.23+36.34% (RTX)RTX
2002-13.00%$98,320.79-10.13%$30,703.75-2.87% (SPY)SPY
2003-2.28%$96,076.05-22.42%$23,820.14+20.14% (RTX)RTX
2004+51.79%$145,832.94+24.18%$29,580.86+27.60% (RTX)RTX
2005+11.22%$162,195.92+10.75%$32,760.13+0.47% (RTX)RTX
2006+10.42%$179,089.03+5.32%$34,504.59+5.09% (RTX)RTX
2007+12.41%$201,313.20+13.84%$39,281.03-1.43% (SPY)SPY
2008+23.89%$249,398.64+5.33%$41,375.53+18.55% (RTX)RTX
2009-27.22%$181,505.35-36.24%$26,382.38+9.01% (RTX)RTX
2010+29.91%$235,801.41+22.65%$32,359.23+7.26% (RTX)RTX
2011+12.57%$265,449.02+13.14%$36,610.39-0.56% (SPY)SPY
2012-5.30%$251,388.01+0.85%$36,922.44-6.15% (SPY)SPY
2013+12.72%$283,376.91+14.17%$42,154.69-1.45% (SPY)SPY
2014+38.50%$392,481.00+29.00%$54,380.19+9.50% (RTX)RTX
2015+4.43%$409,885.53+14.56%$62,298.86-10.13% (SPY)SPY
2016-14.48%$350,538.78+1.29%$63,101.60-15.77% (SPY)SPY
2017+17.75%$412,770.24+13.59%$71,674.43+4.17% (RTX)RTX
2018+17.83%$486,370.12+20.78%$86,569.38-2.95% (SPY)SPY
2019-15.05%$413,170.10-5.25%$82,026.91-9.80% (SPY)SPY
2020+41.40%$584,240.56+31.09%$107,527.02+10.32% (RTX)RTX
2021-23.68%$445,913.18+17.24%$126,059.55-40.91% (SPY)SPY
2022+28.81%$574,401.33+30.51%$164,514.60-1.69% (SPY)SPY
2023+18.76%$682,148.42-18.65%$133,838.54+37.40% (RTX)RTX
2024-14.34%$584,294.55+26.71%$169,585.78-41.05% (SPY)SPY
2025+38.98%$812,041.19+25.59%$212,981.61+13.39% (RTX)RTX
2026+60.40%$1,302,540.43+17.66%$250,597.02+42.74% (RTX)RTX

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

Company Profiles

1

RTX Corporation

RTX

RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies) is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers worldwide.

Key Innovations

  • Patriot Missile System
  • Geared Turbofan (GTF) engine

Business Segments

  • Collins Aerospace
    Aerospace and defense products.
  • Pratt & Whitney
    Aircraft engines and auxiliary power units.
  • Raytheon
    Defense, missiles, and space systems.
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

Share This Comparison

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.