SPY vs UAL: SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs United Airlines Holdings, Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This SPY vs UAL comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and United Airlines Holdings, 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 United Airlines Holdings, Inc. have historically performed against each other.
Compare Stock Performance
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Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1993 to 2025 (33 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 20-year comparison period, SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust outperformed United Airlines Holdings, Inc. in 11 years, while United Airlines Holdings, Inc. outperformed SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust in 9 years.
SPY - SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
UAL - United Airlines Holdings, Inc.
Overall Winner: UAL with an average annual return of 15.49% (vs 11.71% for SPY)
Understanding SPY vs UAL Performance
When comparing SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust and United Airlines Holdings, 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 $33,271 for United Airlines Holdings, Inc. over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | SPY Return | SPY Cumulative | UAL Return | UAL Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1994 | +8.71% | $10,870.91 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1995 | +0.67% | $10,943.47 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1996 | +37.39% | $15,035.16 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1997 | +21.20% | $18,223.19 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1998 | +33.14% | $24,261.81 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1999 | +28.03% | $31,063.11 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2000 | +20.66% | $37,482.18 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2001 | -8.85% | $34,165.23 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2002 | -10.13% | $30,703.75 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2003 | -22.42% | $23,820.14 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2004 | +24.18% | $29,580.86 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2005 | +10.75% | $32,760.13 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2006 | +5.32% | $34,504.59 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2007 | +13.84% | $39,281.03 | +29.79% | $12,979.35 | -15.95% (UAL) | UAL |
| 2008 | +5.33% | $41,375.53 | -23.08% | $9,983.68 | +28.41% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2009 | -36.24% | $26,382.38 | -63.16% | $3,677.73 | +26.93% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2010 | +22.65% | $32,359.23 | +8.76% | $3,999.96 | +13.89% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2011 | +13.14% | $36,610.39 | +86.09% | $7,443.67 | -72.96% (UAL) | UAL |
| 2012 | +0.85% | $36,922.44 | -24.91% | $5,589.42 | +25.76% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2013 | +14.17% | $42,154.69 | +23.70% | $6,914.32 | -9.53% (UAL) | UAL |
| 2014 | +29.00% | $54,380.19 | +56.39% | $10,813.09 | -27.39% (UAL) | UAL |
| 2015 | +14.56% | $62,298.86 | +77.29% | $19,170.10 | -62.72% (UAL) | UAL |
| 2016 | +1.29% | $63,101.60 | -13.63% | $16,557.84 | +14.92% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2017 | +13.59% | $71,674.43 | +31.06% | $21,699.96 | -17.47% (UAL) | UAL |
| 2018 | +20.78% | $86,569.38 | -7.30% | $20,115.22 | +28.08% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2019 | -5.25% | $82,026.91 | +21.45% | $24,430.63 | -26.70% (UAL) | UAL |
| 2020 | +31.09% | $107,527.02 | +4.64% | $25,565.38 | +26.44% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2021 | +17.24% | $126,059.55 | -51.81% | $12,321.18 | +69.04% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2022 | +30.51% | $164,514.60 | +5.16% | $12,957.51 | +25.34% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2023 | -18.65% | $133,838.54 | -17.12% | $10,738.58 | -1.52% (UAL) | UAL |
| 2024 | +26.71% | $169,585.78 | +10.88% | $11,907.39 | +15.83% (SPY) | SPY |
| 2025 | +25.59% | $212,981.61 | +138.46% | $28,394.10 | -112.87% (UAL) | UAL |
| 2026 | +17.66% | $250,597.02 | +17.17% | $33,270.75 | +0.49% (SPY) | SPY |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means SPY outperformed UAL that year.
Company Profiles
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.
United Airlines Holdings, Inc.
UAL
United Airlines is a major American airline. It operates a large domestic and international route network across the United States and all six inhabited continents.
Key Innovations
- ✓First flight kitchen (1936)
- ✓Direct-to-consumer digital booking leadership
Business Segments
- PassengerAir transportation of passengers.
- CargoFreight and mail transportation.
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.