Gold vs. S&P 500 Performance
Performance in Percentage
Gold vs. S&P 500 (Normalized to 100 in Jan 2000, Monthly Averages, Jan 2000 - Sep 2025)
Including Estimated Dividends
Below we show an estimated S&P 500 total-return series (dividends reinvested) alongside gold. The total-return series in this chart is synthesized by applying a constant monthly dividend reinvestment factor (assumed 2% annual dividend yield) to the S&P price series for illustration only. For authoritative total-return data use the S&P Total Return index (from S&P Dow Jones Indices) or datasets from CRSP / Bloomberg / Macrotrends total-return downloads.
Gold vs. S&P 500 (Estimated Total Return, Dividends Reinvested, Jan 2000 - Sep 2025)
Percentage Performance Including Estimated Dividends
Gold vs. S&P 500 (Estimated Total Return, % Change from Jan 2000)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the gold versus S&P 500 comparison show?
It compares the historical performance of gold and the S&P 500 using monthly data from January 2000 onward. Both series are normalized to 100 at the start so their relative growth can be compared directly.
How is the percentage performance calculated?
Each asset's percentage change is measured from its January 2000 starting value. A positive percentage indicates growth relative to that starting point, while a negative percentage indicates a decline.
Are dividends included in the S&P 500 comparison?
The dividend comparison uses an estimated total-return series that assumes a constant 2% annual dividend yield with reinvestment. It is for illustration and is not a substitute for the official S&P 500 Total Return index.
Does this comparison include taxes, fees, or investment costs?
No. The charts show historical market performance and do not account for taxes, trading fees, storage costs, fund expenses, inflation, or the price difference between buying and selling physical gold.