^GSPC vs. NRG
^GSPC (S&P 500 Index) is an index, while NRG (NRG Energy, Inc.) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, ^GSPC returned 13.47%/yr vs 28.42%/yr for NRG. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.
Performance
^GSPC vs. NRG - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, ^GSPC achieves a 8.69% return, which is significantly higher than NRG's -5.78% return. Over the past 10 years, ^GSPC has underperformed NRG with an annualized return of 13.47%, while NRG has yielded a comparatively higher 28.42% annualized return.
^GSPC
- 1D
- 1.18%
- 1M
- -1.84%
- YTD
- 8.69%
- 6M
- 7.74%
- 1Y
- 20.53%
- 3Y*
- 18.69%
- 5Y*
- 11.60%
- 10Y*
- 13.47%
NRG
- 1D
- -0.17%
- 1M
- 11.21%
- YTD
- -5.78%
- 6M
- -6.79%
- 1Y
- -7.29%
- 3Y*
- 61.88%
- 5Y*
- 33.48%
- 10Y*
- 28.42%
^GSPC vs. NRG - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
^GSPC S&P 500 Index | 8.69% | 16.39% | 23.31% | 24.23% | -19.44% | 26.89% | 16.26% | 28.88% | -6.24% | 19.42% |
NRG NRG Energy, Inc. | -5.78% | 78.91% | 78.58% | 69.36% | -23.47% | 18.54% | -2.14% | 0.69% | 39.59% | 133.69% |
Correlation
The correlation between ^GSPC and NRG is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.39 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.43 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.47 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.44 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 2, 2003 | 0.45 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
^GSPC vs. NRG — Risk / Return Rank
^GSPC
NRG
^GSPC vs. NRG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for S&P 500 Index (^GSPC) and NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.
| ^GSPC | NRG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.81 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +2.19 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.30 | 1.01 | +0.29 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.27 | -0.21 | +2.48 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.90 | -0.50 | +10.40 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
^GSPC vs. NRG - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum ^GSPC drawdown since its inception was -56.78%, smaller than the maximum NRG drawdown of -79.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ^GSPC and NRG.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| ^GSPC | NRG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -56.78% | -79.41% | +22.63% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.10% | -34.24% | +25.14% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -18.90% | -34.24% | +15.34% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.43% | -34.24% | +8.81% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -33.92% | -48.76% | +14.84% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.23% | -18.73% | +16.50% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -10.71% | -27.99% | +17.28% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.08% | 14.56% | -12.48% |
Volatility
^GSPC vs. NRG - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for S&P 500 Index (^GSPC) is 4.94%, while NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) has a volatility of 12.86%. This indicates that ^GSPC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than NRG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| ^GSPC | NRG | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.94% | 12.86% | -7.92% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.93% | 34.57% | -24.64% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 12.55% | 45.19% | -32.64% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.01% | 39.93% | -22.92% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 18.06% | 39.08% | -21.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
^GSPC and NRG have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
NRG has higher volatility (12.86%) compared to ^GSPC (4.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ^GSPC dropped -56.78% vs NRG's -79.41%.
^GSPC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.65 vs -0.16), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.
Find the right allocation for ^GSPC and NRG
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer