AAPU vs SPY
Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AAPU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAPU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $185M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.08% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +17.97% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +62.65% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.67% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AAPU vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X ETF (AAPU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year AAPU returned +62.65% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, AAPU is up 17.97% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, AAPU compounded at +30.67% per year against +21.98% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, AAPU has the edge at +22.74% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AAPU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.9% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -58.6% for AAPU and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAPU charges 0.96% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $9 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAPU currently yields 6.08% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AAPU and SPY share 1 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AAPU | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 10.26% | 6.83% | 3.43% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAPU or SPY?
AAPU has an expense ratio of 0.96% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAPU or SPY?
Over the past year AAPU returned +62.65% vs +21.82% for SPY, so AAPU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AAPU annualized +22.74% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAPU or SPY?
AAPU has been the more volatile fund at 43.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AAPU -58.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AAPU and SPY?
AAPU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAPU and SPY?
AAPU and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAPU or SPY?
AAPU yields 6.08% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AAPU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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