Comparison
How to Compare Two Tickers Using the Same Date Range
A fair comparison starts with the same window, then looks at return and drawdown together. Use clear labels and export results so you can review later.
Published: December 26, 2025 · Updated: December 26, 2025 · By FinToolSuite Editorial
Disclaimer
- Educational purposes only, not financial advice.
- Comparisons are illustrative and depend on inputs and assumptions.
- Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
- Market returns can be negative. See the Privacy Policy for data handling details.
Open the Investment History Checker
Set the same dates for both tickers, then compare metrics side by side.
Quick answer
- Use the same start date and end date for both tickers.
- Compare CAGR and drawdown, not just total return.
- Scan yearly returns to see if gains are concentrated.
- Note currency and what is included or excluded.
Step 1: Choose a fair date window
The window sets the whole story. Avoid cherry picking by checking more than one range—try 3, 5, and 10 years to see how sensitive results are.
Read more in choosing start and end dates.
Step 2: Run ticker A and ticker B
Run the first ticker and save it as a scenario. Run the second ticker with the exact same dates and save it as another scenario. Use clear labels so you don’t mix them up.
Need a refresher on scenarios? See how to compare scenarios.
Step 3: Compare key metrics
| Metric | Why it matters | What it can hide |
|---|---|---|
| Total return | Headline change | Path and stress |
| CAGR | Compare across lengths | Volatility |
| Max drawdown | Worst decline | Frequency of declines |
| Best year | Concentration | Ignores other years |
| Worst year | Downside | Ignores recovery |
| Yearly table | Year by year story | Intra year moves |
Pair metrics with the chart to see the path for each ticker.
Step 4: Scan yearly patterns
- Count negative years.
- Spot a single outsize year.
- Identify long recoveries after big drops.
The yearly table helps explain why two tickers with similar CAGR can feel different.
One illustrative example
Ticker A: total return 80%, max drawdown -35%. Ticker B: total return 60%, max drawdown -15%. Neither is automatically “better”—one has higher return but deeper drops; the other is smoother but lower. Interpretation depends on your context; the tool does not make that decision.
Safety notes for fair comparisons
- Currency differences can affect profit amounts and your personal outcome.
- Dividends may be excluded unless stated.
- Fees, taxes, and inflation may be excluded.
- Date choice can dominate results.
- Short windows can mislead.
See common mistakes for more pitfalls.
Quick comparison checklist
- [ ] Same start and end dates
- [ ] Same currency noted or clearly labelled
- [ ] Return and drawdown compared together
- [ ] Yearly table scanned for concentration
- [ ] At least one additional window tested
FAQ preview
Should I always use the same dates?
For fairness, yes. Only change dates if you are testing sensitivity.
What if the tickers have different histories?
Use the overlapping window both share and note data gaps.
Why do currencies differ?
Each listing uses its market currency; label it in your scenarios.
Does principal change percent returns?
No. Percent returns reflect price changes; principal scales amounts.
Why do two tickers look similar in CAGR but different in drawdown?
They can end at similar rates but have different paths; drawdown shows the worst drop.
Compare two tickers now
Set the same dates, run both tickers, label clearly, and export your results.