An ETF backtest replays a simple strategy on past prices. This tool’s strategy is deliberately plain: buy once, hold, optionally reinvest dividends, apply splits, and chart portfolio value from a shared $10,000 start.
Metrics on the results page
- Ending value — what the $10,000 stake grew to by the end date.
- Total return — percent change over the full window.
- Annual return — average yearly growth rate over that window.
Good backtest hygiene
- Don’t cherry-pick only the window that flatters your thesis.
- Compare substitutes (VOO vs SPY) separately from different asset classes (SPY vs AGG).
- Treat leveraged products (e.g. 3x ETFs) as educational — daily leverage is not the same as “3× long-term.”
- Write down the question before you run the chart.
Use the embed to backtest two tickers you are actually deciding between — not a crowd-pleasing default.