1. What is YTD Return?

Year-to-date (YTD) return is a measure of the performance of an investment from the start of the current year to the present date. For GM stock, it includes both capital gains (or losses) and dividends received during the period.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the YTD formula:

Where:

• \( Current\ Value \) — Current value of the investment
• \( Initial\ Value \) — Value of the investment at the start of the year
• \( Dividends \) — Total dividends received during the year

Explanation: The formula calculates the total return by accounting for both the change in stock price and any dividends received.

3. Importance of YTD Calculation

Details: YTD return helps investors assess the performance of their GM stock investment during the current year, compare it to benchmarks, and make informed decisions about holding or selling the stock.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the current value of your GM stock, the value at the start of the year, and the total dividends received. All values must be in dollars and non-negative.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Should I include reinvested dividends?
A: Yes, reinvested dividends should be included in both the current value and dividends received calculations.

Q2: How often should I calculate YTD return?
A: Monthly or quarterly calculations are typical for most investors to track performance.

Q3: What's a good YTD return for GM stock?
A: Compare your return to the S&P 500 or automotive sector benchmarks for context.

Q4: Does this account for taxes?
A: No, this is a pre-tax calculation. For after-tax returns, you would need to account for dividend and capital gains taxes.

Q5: Can I use this for other stocks?
A: Yes, the formula works for any stock, but this calculator is specifically designed with GM stock in mind.