SPY vs TRV: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs The Travelers Companies, Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison

This SPY vs TRV comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and The Travelers Companies, Inc. 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 The Travelers Companies, Inc. 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 1993 to 2025 (33 years)

Head-to-Head Record

16
SPY Wins
0
Ties
17
TRV Wins

Over the 33-year comparison period, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed The Travelers Companies, Inc. in 16 years, while The Travelers Companies, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 17 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%)

TRV - The Travelers Companies, Inc.

Average Annual Return:+12.15%
Best Year:+69.12% (2000)
Worst Year:-48.81% (1986)
Win Rate:77.5% (31/40 years)
Total Value:$509,874.65
Total Gain:+$499,874.65 (+4998.75%)

Overall Winner: TRV with an average annual return of 12.15% (vs 11.71% for SPY)

Understanding SPY vs TRV Performance

When comparing SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and The Travelers Companies, Inc., 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 $509,875 for The Travelers Companies, Inc. over the same period.

Year-by-Year Comparison

YearSPY ReturnSPY CumulativeTRV ReturnTRV CumulativeDifferenceWinner
1993 (Start)-$10,000.00-$10,000.00-Initial Investment
1994+8.71%$10,870.91+20.66%$14,465.28-11.95% (TRV)TRV
1995+0.67%$10,943.47+5.07%$15,199.28-4.41% (TRV)TRV
1996+37.39%$15,035.16+29.60%$19,697.75+7.79% (SPY)SPY
1997+21.20%$18,223.19+7.08%$21,092.14+14.12% (SPY)SPY
1998+33.14%$24,261.81+44.08%$30,388.76-10.94% (TRV)TRV
1999+28.03%$31,063.11-12.92%$26,462.05+40.95% (SPY)SPY
2000+20.66%$37,482.18-0.52%$26,323.25+21.19% (SPY)SPY
2001-8.85%$34,165.23+69.12%$44,517.14-77.97% (TRV)TRV
2002-10.13%$30,703.75-12.17%$39,099.70+2.04% (SPY)SPY
2003-22.42%$23,820.14-19.39%$31,518.98-3.03% (TRV)TRV
2004+24.18%$29,580.86+16.70%$36,784.17+7.48% (SPY)SPY
2005+10.75%$32,760.13-3.51%$35,491.60+14.26% (SPY)SPY
2006+5.32%$34,504.59+22.60%$43,513.96-17.28% (TRV)TRV
2007+13.84%$39,281.03+19.39%$51,950.52-5.55% (TRV)TRV
2008+5.33%$41,375.53+2.65%$53,324.62+2.69% (SPY)SPY
2009-36.24%$26,382.38-11.40%$47,245.50-24.84% (TRV)TRV
2010+22.65%$32,359.23+13.48%$53,612.86+9.18% (SPY)SPY
2011+13.14%$36,610.39+14.95%$61,630.02-1.82% (TRV)TRV
2012+0.85%$36,922.44+9.09%$67,234.97-8.24% (TRV)TRV
2013+14.17%$42,154.69+25.23%$84,199.88-11.06% (TRV)TRV
2014+29.00%$54,380.19+27.24%$107,139.13+1.76% (SPY)SPY
2015+14.56%$62,298.86+21.23%$129,886.79-6.67% (TRV)TRV
2016+1.29%$63,101.60+9.52%$142,251.86-8.23% (TRV)TRV
2017+13.59%$71,674.43+13.89%$162,006.76-0.30% (TRV)TRV
2018+20.78%$86,569.38+14.78%$185,956.90+6.00% (SPY)SPY
2019-5.25%$82,026.91-7.14%$172,681.74+1.89% (SPY)SPY
2020+31.09%$107,527.02+19.38%$206,142.22+11.71% (SPY)SPY
2021+17.24%$126,059.55+4.88%$216,201.30+12.36% (SPY)SPY
2022+30.51%$164,514.60+17.93%$254,962.41+12.58% (SPY)SPY
2023-18.65%$133,838.54+22.96%$313,490.86-41.60% (TRV)TRV
2024+26.71%$169,585.78+4.14%$326,454.77+22.57% (SPY)SPY
2025+25.59%$212,981.61+28.13%$418,295.91-2.54% (TRV)TRV
2026+17.66%$250,597.02+21.89%$509,874.65-4.23% (TRV)TRV

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

The Travelers Companies, Inc.

TRV

Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business. It is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Key Innovations

  • First auto insurance policy (1897)
  • Predictive analytics in underwriting

Business Segments

  • Business Insurance
    Commercial property and casualty insurance.
  • Bond & Specialty Insurance
    Surety and professional liability.
  • Personal Insurance
    Auto and homeowners insurance for individuals.

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.