UNH vs. ^GSPC
UNH (UnitedHealth Group Incorporated) is a stock, while ^GSPC (S&P 500 Index) is an index. Over the past 10 years, UNH returned 13.32%/yr vs 13.61%/yr for ^GSPC. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.
Performance
UNH vs. ^GSPC - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, UNH achieves a 24.71% return, which is significantly higher than ^GSPC's 8.56% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with UNH having a 13.32% annualized return and ^GSPC not far ahead at 13.61%.
UNH
- 1D
- 0.73%
- 1M
- 1.83%
- YTD
- 24.71%
- 6M
- 20.44%
- 1Y
- 31.88%
- 3Y*
- -4.10%
- 5Y*
- 2.27%
- 10Y*
- 13.32%
^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%
UNH vs. ^GSPC - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UNH UnitedHealth Group Incorporated | 24.71% | -33.14% | -2.41% | 0.80% | 6.94% | 45.20% | 21.25% | 20.00% | 14.52% | 39.83% |
^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 UNH and ^GSPC is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.26 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.14 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.28 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.39 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 26, 1990 | 0.40 |
The correlation between UNH and ^GSPC shifts across timeframes, from 0.14 (3 years) to 0.40 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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
UNH vs. ^GSPC — Risk / Return Rank
UNH
^GSPC
UNH vs. ^GSPC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) 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.
| UNH | ^GSPC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.06 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.27 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.19 | 1.34 | -0.15 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.11 | 2.53 | -1.43 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.43 | 11.37 | -8.95 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
UNH vs. ^GSPC - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum UNH drawdown since its inception was -74.37%, which is greater than ^GSPC's maximum drawdown of -56.78%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UNH and ^GSPC.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| UNH | ^GSPC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -74.37% | -56.78% | -17.59% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -28.96% | -9.10% | -19.86% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -61.39% | -18.90% | -42.49% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -61.39% | -25.43% | -35.96% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -61.39% | -33.92% | -27.47% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -32.27% | -2.34% | -29.93% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -14.77% | -10.72% | -4.05% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 13.19% | 2.02% | +11.17% |
Volatility
UNH vs. ^GSPC - Volatility Comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) has a higher volatility of 7.60% compared to S&P 500 Index (^GSPC) at 4.43%. This indicates that UNH'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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| UNH | ^GSPC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.60% | 4.43% | +3.17% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 30.86% | 9.70% | +21.16% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 40.10% | 12.38% | +27.72% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 31.87% | 16.97% | +14.90% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 30.18% | 18.09% | +12.09% |
Frequently Asked Questions
UNH and ^GSPC have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
UNH has higher volatility (7.60%) compared to ^GSPC (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UNH dropped -74.37% vs ^GSPC's -56.78%.
^GSPC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 0.80), 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 UNH and ^GSPC
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