Gold vs S&P 500 vs Dow Jones Performance Comparison
Gold, S&P 500 and Dow Jones are commonly compared by investors. This page compares historical performance using normalized returns (100 at start), total return, and CAGR. Data updates daily.
Compare Gold, S&P 500, Dow Jones: normalized performance (100 at start), total return and CAGR. Same data as our investment calculators.
Quick answer
S&P 500 led on total return, ahead of Dow Jones; Gold (+219.51%).
Heaviest drawdown risk: Gold. Calmest on dips: S&P 500.
Winner: S&P 500Risk: S&P 500Stability: Dow Jones
What this means
- S&P 500 offers higher historical upside in this window, usually with more risk in the swings.
- Check more than one horizon: leadership rotates with the cycle.
- Choice is personal: match the history to your horizon and how much drawdown you can sit through.
Loading summary…
About this comparison
This comparison contrasts S&P 500 with gold, a traditional store of value. While S&P 500 may reflect growth-oriented behavior at times, gold is often used as a hedge during periods of uncertainty.
About Gold vs S&P 500 vs Dow Jones
Gold (XAU), S&P 500 (SPX), and Dow Jones (DJI) are commonly compared by investors to understand relative performance and diversification. Precious metals are often used as stores of value and inflation hedges, while the index is a broad equity market benchmark.
Investors compare metals and equity indexes to evaluate hedging behavior versus growth-oriented assets.
This page compares historical performance using normalized returns (100 at start), total return, and CAGR based on daily closing prices. Use the time-range buttons (1M, 3M, 6M, 1Y, 5Y, All) to explore different horizons.
What to look for
- Long-term trend vs volatility — Steeper lines mean higher growth; wider swings mean more volatility.
- Drawdowns and risk — Periods where a line dips show drawdowns; compare how far each asset fell in stress periods.
- Diversification — Assets that don’t move in lockstep can help diversify; the chart shows how correlated these returns have been.
Historical Performance
The chart above uses normalized performance: each asset starts at 100 on the first common date. This lets you compare multiple assets on the same scale and see long-term growth differences at a glance.
You can switch time ranges (1M, 3M, 6M, 1Y, 5Y, or All) to see how performance varied over different periods. The table shows total return and CAGR for the selected range.
Comparison at a glance
| Metric | Gold | S&P 500 | Dow Jones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asset Type | Commodity | Index | Index |
| Volatility | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Typical Use | Store of value / Hedge | Growth / Diversification | Growth / Blue chips |
| Liquidity | High | High | High |
| Typical investors | Conservative | Balanced | Conservative |
| Primary driver | Monetary | Growth | Growth |
Key takeaways
- Use the table above to see which asset had the higher total return and CAGR for your selected period (change the period with 1M, 3M, 1Y, 5Y, or All).
- Higher CAGR over a period means that asset grew faster annually; compare the CAGR column in the performance table.
- Volatility differs by asset type: in general, S&P 500 tends to be more volatile than Gold; use the chart to see drawdowns and swings.
Explore both assets
Forecasts, scenarios, ratios, and tools for each leg of this comparison.
Forecasts are scenario-based estimates and not guarantees.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Example Investment
If $1,000 had been invested in Gold, S&P 500 and Dow Jones at the start of the period, this tool shows how their value would have changed over time. Use the chart and period buttons to explore different horizons.
Final verdict
The chart and table show the same calendar for every name: return rank, bumpiness, and drawdown depth side by side. Read it as historical context for your own risk tolerance and timeframe. Not financial advice.
FAQ
What does "normalized to 100" mean?
Each asset's performance is rescaled so that it starts at 100 on the first common date. That way you can compare percentage growth on a level playing field: if one line ends at 200 and another at 150, the first doubled and the second gained 50% over the period. The chart uses the same idea for all time ranges (1M, 3M, 1Y, 5Y, or All).
How can I compare Gold and S&P 500 fairly?
Performance depends on the time period and your goals. The chart above lets you compare Gold and S&P 500 over different horizons. Each has different risk and return characteristics, so use the period buttons and table to see what has held over 1 year, 5 years, or the full history.
Why do investors compare Gold, S&P 500 and Dow Jones?
Investors compare these assets to understand relative performance, diversification benefits, and how to allocate between them. Side-by-side comparison helps with planning and risk management. The normalized chart and total return/CAGR table makes it easier to evaluate return behavior across different periods.
How can I identify higher historical returns?
Historical results vary by period. Use the interactive chart and time-range buttons (1M, 3M, 6M, 1Y, 5Y, All) on this page to compare total return and CAGR. The performance table updates for the selected range so you can see which asset posted higher historical return over that horizon.
Is it possible to diversify using both assets?
Yes. Holding multiple asset classes can reduce portfolio volatility when their returns are not perfectly correlated. This comparison tool helps you see how these assets have moved relative to each other over time. If the lines diverge or move in opposite directions in some periods, that can support diversification.
Related Comparisons
If you want to see relative valuation, try Price Ratios.