Tradune

Q&A

How do I compare my portfolio to the S&P 500?

Enter every deposit and withdrawal with its date and your portfolio's value today. The calculator computes your money-weighted return (XIRR). Then either type in the index's annualized total return over the same period, or enter the index's total-return level on each of your dates so the calculator applies the same cash flows to both and compares the results.

Did I beat the S&P 500 if my total gain is bigger than the index's?

Not necessarily. A total gain mixes your return with how much you added and when. Comparing cumulative percentages over several years is usually misleading because money deposited recently has had no time to earn. Compare money-weighted returns on the same cash flows instead.

Why does this page use XIRR?

XIRR (money-weighted return) is the single annual rate that turns your dated deposits and withdrawals into today's value. It accounts for the timing of your own cash, so it answers the right question: how did my money do?

Are my numbers sent anywhere?

No. The calculation runs entirely in your browser. Your amounts, values and benchmark figures are not transmitted, stored, or put in the URL.

Can I enter withdrawals?

Yes. Mark a row as a withdrawal and enter the amount you took out. If your cash flows change direction more than once, more than one rate can fit them; the calculator then says the rate is not unique instead of picking one.