When Performance Matters: Nasdaq-100® vs. S&P 500 Q4 2024

Nasdaq Global Indexes

The Nasdaq-100® and S&P 500 stand as two of the most prominent equity indexes in the United States. With its considerable emphasis on innovative sectors like Technology, Consumer Discretionary, and Health Care, the Nasdaq-100 has consistently outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 17 years (12/31/2007 – 12/31/2024).

A detailed analysis of their annual returns reveals that the Nasdaq-100 Index® has exceeded the S&P 500 in 13 out of these 17 calendar years, achieving an impressive average annual return of 15.7%. The year 2023 was particularly outstanding for the Nasdaq-100®, with a 55.1% increase — its best calendar year of performance since 1999, and largest margin of outperformance vs. the S&P 500 since 2020 when it led by more than 30%.

The notable lead of the Nasdaq-100 in 2023 can largely be credited to its substantial allocation to Technology and growth-oriented stocks, especially those focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI-centric companies within the Nasdaq-100 experienced significant advancements and broader adoption of AI solutions across industries, increasing investor interest in AI's transformative capabilities.

In 2024, the Nasdaq-100 once again outperformed the S&P 500 (25.9% vs. 25.0%), driven by the anticipation of Federal Reserve rate cuts and continued adoption of AI. Since December 31, 2007, the Nasdaq-100 Index has surged by 1092%, more than doubling the S&P 500’s return of 460% on a total return basis.

Historical Performance

Amidst recent market volatility, the Nasdaq-100 Total Return Index has consistently sustained cumulative total returns exceeding twice the performance of the S&P 500 Total Return Index.

* Data through 12/31/2024

Rolling Volatility (One Year)

The one-year rolling volatility, calculated by annualizing the standard deviation of daily returns, has shown a slight elevation in the Nasdaq-100 compared to the S&P 500. On average, it has been just 2.7% higher over the 17-year period spanning from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2024. What's particularly noteworthy is the overall correlation of daily returns, which is 93%. This level of correlation is impressive, especially considering the Nasdaq-100's heavy concentration in the Technology sector.

Current Industry Weights

As of December 31, 2024, there are notable disparities in sector allocations between the Nasdaq-100 and the S&P 500. As highlighted earlier, the significant weightings in the Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors have played a pivotal role in driving the Nasdaq-100 to multiple years of outperformance over the past 17 years. By design, the Nasdaq-100 does not have any Financials exposure.

Conclusion

Despite facing shifts in central bank policies against a backdrop of complex geopolitical tensions, the Nasdaq-100 has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The pervasive integration of AI technology, revolutionizing nearly every industry, bolsters the index's capability for continuous innovation and highlights its strong potential for future growth. With its foundational focus on innovation, the Nasdaq-100 is well-positioned to navigate future uncertainties and sustain its long-term growth trajectory.
 

Data as of 12/31/2024 unless otherwise stated. 

Sources: Nasdaq Indexes, Bloomberg

Disclaimer:

Nasdaq® is a registered trademark of Nasdaq, Inc. The information contained above is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice, either on behalf of a particular security or an overall investment strategy. Neither Nasdaq, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any recommendation to buy or sell any security or any representation about the financial condition of any company. Statements regarding Nasdaq-listed companies or Nasdaq proprietary indexes are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should undertake their own due diligence and carefully evaluate companies before investing. ADVICE FROM A SECURITIES PROFESSIONAL IS STRONGLY ADVISED. © 2025. Nasdaq, Inc. All Rights Reserved.