SPY vs HYG — 18-Year Performance Comparison
S&P 500 vs High Yield Bonds — backtested 2007–2024
SPY wins$58,209 vs $22,983 on $10,000 over 18 years
SPYS&P 500
Final value$58,209
CAGR+10.3%
Max drawdown-37.0%
Best year+32% (2013)
Years won12 of 18
HYGHigh Yield Bonds
Final value$22,983
CAGR+4.7%
Max drawdown-17.5%
Best year+29% (2009)
Years won6 of 18
Growth of $10,000
2007–2024SPYHYG
SPY$58,209
HYG$22,983
50/50 mix$37,911
50/50 blend: $37,911 (+7.7%/yr CAGR)
Splitting equally between SPY and HYG would have landed between the two — slightly lower CAGR than SPY but less volatility. Try a custom split →
Year-by-year: SPY vs HYG
| Year | SPY | HYG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | +23.3% | +8.0% | SPY |
| 2023 | +26.3% | +11.5% | SPY |
| 2022 | -18.2% | -11.0% | HYG |
| 2021 | +28.7% | +3.8% | SPY |
| 2020 | +18.4% | +4.5% | SPY |
| 2019 | +31.5% | +14.1% | SPY |
| 2018 | -4.4% | -2.0% | HYG |
| 2017 | +21.8% | +6.1% | SPY |
| 2016 | +12.0% | +13.4% | HYG |
| 2015 | +1.4% | -5.0% | SPY |
| 2014 | +13.7% | +1.9% | SPY |
| 2013 | +32.4% | +5.8% | SPY |
| 2012 | +16.0% | +11.7% | SPY |
| 2011 | +2.1% | +6.8% | HYG |
| 2010 | +15.1% | +11.9% | SPY |
| 2009 | +26.5% | +28.5% | HYG |
| 2008 | -37.0% | -17.6% | HYG |
| 2007 | +5.5% | +1.6% | SPY |
More comparisons
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