Performance Source: Koyfin.com Price Return
U.S. Versus International
The S&P 500 Index, an index of large U.S. companies, posted a price return of 2.8% for the fourth quarter of 2025. Large U.S. stocks underperformed international for the quarter as measured by the iShares MSCI ACWI ex-US Index, a representation of international stocks outside the U.S. The International ETF return for the Fourth Quarter of 2025 was 15.9%.
The S&P 500 Index, underperformed international stocks for the full year in 2025, with price return up 15.9% versus 32.5%. The United States Federal Reserve began to decrease interest rates, which weakens the value of the U.S. Dollar versus foreign currencies. This adjustment alone makes foreign stocks held in U.S. Dollars more valuable. Economic conditions have also stabilized in foreign markets, helping improve valuation for these companies.
For the full year Spain, Greece and Italy saw strong market returns in their home stocks. More stable conditions in Europe helped propel these stocks.
U.S. Sectors
Top performing U.S. S&P 500 sectors as reported by Koyfin for the Fourth Quarter of 2025 include Health Care (14.4%), Technology (2.9%) and Materials (2.2%). Laggards for the Fourth Quarter include Real Estate (-2.8%), Utilities (-1.2%) and Consumer Discretionary (-0.6%).
Top performing U.S. S&P 500 sectors as reported by Koyfin for the full year 2025 include Technology (23.6%), Communications (22.7%) and Industrials (19.2%). Laggards for the full year 2025 include Consumer Staples (1.8%), Real Estate (3.4%) and Consumer Discretionary (6.6%).
Stocks that can benefit from growth took center stage again in 2025. These stocks benefit from a more muted tariff threat environment and dropping of U.S. interest rates. Technology stocks continue to report strong earnings and revenue growth. Concerns over ongoing tariff impacts on consumer goods weighed down those sectors for the full year.
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