GM vs. ^GSPC

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GM (General Motors Company) is a stock, while ^GSPC (S&P 500 Index) is an index. Over the past 10 years, GM returned 13.16%/yr vs 13.61%/yr for ^GSPC. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

GM vs. ^GSPC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in General Motors Company (GM) and S&P 500 Index (^GSPC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GM achieves a 0.68% return, which is significantly lower than ^GSPC's 8.56% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with GM having a 13.16% annualized return and ^GSPC not far ahead at 13.61%.

GM

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 7.74%
• YTD: 0.68%
• 6M: 1.21%
• 1Y: 66.96%
• 3Y*: 30.69%
• 5Y*: 6.65%
• 10Y*: 13.16%

^GSPC

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: 8.56%
• 6M: 8.85%
• 1Y: 22.93%
• 3Y*: 19.37%
• 5Y*: 11.84%
• 10Y*: 13.61%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GM vs. ^GSPC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GM General Motors Company	0.68%	54.24%	49.84%	7.92%	-42.36%	40.80%	15.16%	14.02%	-15.06%	22.51%
^GSPC S&P 500 Index	8.56%	16.39%	23.31%	24.23%	-19.44%	26.89%	16.26%	28.88%	-6.24%	19.42%

Correlation

The correlation between GM and ^GSPC is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2010	0.57

The correlation between GM and ^GSPC shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (3 years) to 0.57 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

GM vs. ^GSPC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GM

GM Risk / Return Rank: 89
GM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
GM Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
GM Omega Ratio Rank: 88
GM Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
GM Martin Ratio Rank: 89

^GSPC

^GSPC Risk / Return Rank: 73
^GSPC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
^GSPC Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
^GSPC Omega Ratio Rank: 77
^GSPC Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
^GSPC Martin Ratio Rank: 82

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GM vs. ^GSPC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for General Motors Company (GM) and S&P 500 Index (^GSPC). 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.

	GM	^GSPC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	1.86	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	2.53	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.34	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.21	2.53	+1.68
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.37	11.37	-1.00

GM vs. ^GSPC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GM Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is comparable to the ^GSPC Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GM and ^GSPC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GM vs. ^GSPC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GM drawdown since its inception was -59.96%, which is greater than ^GSPC's maximum drawdown of -56.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GM and ^GSPC.

Drawdown Indicators

	GM	^GSPC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.96%	-56.78%	-3.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.00%	-9.10%	-6.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.02%	-18.90%	-15.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-58.96%	-25.43%	-33.53%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.96%	-33.92%	-26.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.22%	-2.34%	-2.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.51%	-10.72%	-10.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.48%	2.02%	+4.46%

Volatility

GM vs. ^GSPC - Volatility Comparison

General Motors Company (GM) has a higher volatility of 11.54% compared to S&P 500 Index (^GSPC) at 4.43%. This indicates that GM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than ^GSPC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GM	^GSPC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.54%	4.43%	+7.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.80%	9.70%	+14.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	34.80%	12.38%	+22.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.65%	16.97%	+19.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.95%	18.09%	+18.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GM and ^GSPC in my portfolio?

GM and ^GSPC have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GM or ^GSPC?

GM has higher volatility (11.54%) compared to ^GSPC (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GM dropped -59.96% vs ^GSPC's -56.78%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.86), 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.