S&P 500 vs Nasdaq-100: the last ten years in one chart

What this video covers

Both indices rebased to 100 so their percentage moves can be compared directly, drawn from the FRED SP500 and NASDAQ100 series. It also shows the one-year price change for each and why the Nasdaq-100 swings harder.

Sources and the longer explanation: S&P 500 vs Nasdaq-100 Performance: Chart and Monthly Data.

Numbers shown on screen

• +11.4%: Nasdaq-100
• +8.2%: S&P 500
• Nasdaq-100: +10.5%
• S&P 500: +7.4%

How the visuals were made

In 0:46 the video moves through 6 scenes, including an animated line chart, “Rebased to 100, daily close”, drawn from FRED series SP500 (full history), rebased to 100, FRED series NASDAQ100 from 2016-11, rebased to 100; a side-by-side comparison of S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100; a bar chart, “Year to date, price only”. All graphics were rendered frame by frame by UXS; no stock footage, logos or faces are used.

Chapters

• 0:00 Index race: S&P 500 vs Nasdaq-100. Who rose more?
• 0:06 Rebased to 100, daily close
• 0:11 One-year price change
• 0:20 What each index holds
• 0:30 Year to date, price only
• 0:40 Risk note

Transcript

S&P 500 or Nasdaq-100: which one rose more over the past year?

Here both lines start at 100, so you compare percentage moves, not index points.

Over the past year the Nasdaq-100 gained about 11.4%, and the S&P 500 about 8.2%, price only.

The Nasdaq-100 holds the 100 largest non-financial Nasdaq companies. It is more concentrated, which amplifies rallies and sell-offs.

Since December 31, 2025, the S&P 500 is up 7.4% and the Nasdaq-100 10.5%.

These figures leave out dividends. Educational only, not financial advice.