SPY vs STT: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street Corporation Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This SPY vs STT comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and State Street Corporation 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 SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and State Street Corporation have historically performed against each other.

Compare Stock Performance

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

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Performance Summary

$10,000 invested from 1993 to 2025 (33 years)

Head-to-Head Record

17
SPY Wins
0
Ties
16
STT Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed State Street Corporation in 17 years, while State Street Corporation outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 16 years.

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%)

STT - State Street Corporation

Average Annual Return:+15.58%
Best Year:+86.38% (1997)
Worst Year:-49.27% (2008)
Win Rate:67.5% (27/40 years)
Total Value:$737,804.35
Total Gain:+$727,804.35 (+7278.04%)

Overall Winner: STT with an average annual return of 15.58% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding SPY vs STT Performance

When comparing SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and State Street Corporation, 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 SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust grew to $250,597, compared to $737,804 for State Street Corporation over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeSTT ReturnSTT CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1993 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1994+8.71%$10,870.91-12.05%$35,976.15+20.76% (SPY)SPY
1995+0.67%$10,943.47-21.56%$28,219.24+22.23% (SPY)SPY
1996+37.39%$15,035.16+55.95%$44,008.13-18.56% (STT)STT
1997+21.20%$18,223.19+45.99%$64,248.00-24.79% (STT)STT
1998+33.14%$24,261.81+86.38%$119,745.73-53.24% (STT)STT
1999+28.03%$31,063.11+22.26%$146,398.75+5.77% (SPY)SPY
2000+20.66%$37,482.18+4.10%$152,408.21+16.56% (SPY)SPY
2001-8.85%$34,165.23+79.18%$273,086.54-88.03% (STT)STT
2002-10.13%$30,703.75-12.86%$237,979.86+2.72% (SPY)SPY
2003-22.42%$23,820.14-24.32%$180,103.69+1.90% (SPY)SPY
2004+24.18%$29,580.86+29.79%$233,755.92-5.61% (STT)STT
2005+10.75%$32,760.13-3.36%$225,912.35+14.10% (SPY)SPY
2006+5.32%$34,504.59+15.51%$260,955.17-10.19% (STT)STT
2007+13.84%$39,281.03+19.90%$312,883.38-6.06% (STT)STT
2008+5.33%$41,375.53+20.73%$377,744.39-15.40% (STT)STT
2009-36.24%$26,382.38-49.27%$191,613.23+13.04% (SPY)SPY
2010+22.65%$32,359.23+6.04%$203,181.92+16.62% (SPY)SPY
2011+13.14%$36,610.39+4.33%$211,980.50+8.81% (SPY)SPY
2012+0.85%$36,922.44-13.79%$182,748.20+14.64% (SPY)SPY
2013+14.17%$42,154.69+14.89%$209,967.14-0.72% (STT)STT
2014+29.00%$54,380.19+54.31%$323,992.89-25.30% (STT)STT
2015+14.56%$62,298.86+9.04%$353,267.02+5.53% (SPY)SPY
2016+1.29%$63,101.60-13.71%$304,816.86+15.00% (SPY)SPY
2017+13.59%$71,674.43+22.06%$372,053.06-8.47% (STT)STT
2018+20.78%$86,569.38+25.37%$466,443.67-4.59% (STT)STT
2019-5.25%$82,026.91-33.36%$310,828.70+28.11% (SPY)SPY
2020+31.09%$107,527.02+27.61%$396,640.11+3.48% (SPY)SPY
2021+17.24%$126,059.55-6.72%$369,996.49+23.95% (SPY)SPY
2022+30.51%$164,514.60+32.00%$488,378.10-1.49% (STT)STT
2023-18.65%$133,838.54-15.08%$414,750.33-3.57% (STT)STT
2024+26.71%$169,585.78+2.44%$424,878.88+24.27% (SPY)SPY
2025+25.59%$212,981.61+29.69%$551,043.40-4.10% (STT)STT
2026+17.66%$250,597.02+33.89%$737,804.35-16.23% (STT)STT

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

Company Profiles

1

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.
2

State Street Corporation

STT

State Street is one of the world's leading providers of financial services to institutional investors including investment servicing, investment management and investment research and trading.

Key Innovations

  • State Street Alpha platform
  • SPY ETF (via SSGA)

Business Segments

  • Investment Servicing
    Custody, accounting, and fund administration.
  • Investment Management
    State Street Global Advisors (SSGA).

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.