UPST vs PYPL: which was the better investment?
Upstart Holdings, Inc. against PayPal Holdings, Inc. on real daily total-return data — every dividend reinvested, from Dec 16, 2020 to Jul 14, 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Did UPST beat PYPL?
Yes — measured from Dec 16, 2020 to Jul 14, 2026 with dividends reinvested, UPST came out ahead: $10,763 versus $2,076 from a $10,000 start. That gap compounds from a 1.3% annual return against -24.6%.
What would $10,000 in UPST be worth today?
$10,000 invested in Upstart Holdings, Inc. (UPST) on Dec 16, 2020 would be worth about $10,763 as of Jul 14, 2026, a total return of 7.6% (1.3% per year). The same $10,000 in PYPL would be worth $2,076.
Which was riskier — UPST or PYPL?
UPST swung with an annualized volatility of 113.2% and a worst peak-to-trough drop of -96.9%; PYPL ran at 41.8% volatility with a -87.3% maximum drawdown. Risk-adjusted (Sharpe ratio), that is -0.01 for UPST vs -0.64 for PYPL.
What data is this comparison based on?
Daily adjusted closing prices covering Dec 16, 2020 through Jul 14, 2026 — the full period where both assets have price history. Adjusted prices include dividends and splits, so these are total returns. The page refreshes with new market data every day.
Can I change the dates, amounts, or add monthly investing?
Yes — the interactive tool on this page is pre-loaded with UPST vs PYPL. You can set any start and end date, change the starting amount, add monthly contributions, or build a multi-asset portfolio and compare it against any benchmark.