AIBU vs SPY
Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. AIBU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIBU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $22M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +39.50% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.84% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 57.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
AIBU vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily AI and Big Data Bull 2X ETF (AIBU) 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 AIBU returned +46.84% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, AIBU is up 39.50% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIBU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 57.8% 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 -51.2% for AIBU 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIBU 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, AIBU currently yields 1.67% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
AIBU and SPY share 15 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIBU or SPY?
AIBU 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, AIBU or SPY?
Over the past year AIBU returned +46.84% vs +21.96% for SPY, so AIBU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AIBU annualized +57.13% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIBU or SPY?
AIBU has been the more volatile fund at 57.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: AIBU -51.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both AIBU and SPY?
AIBU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIBU and SPY?
AIBU and SPY share 15 common holdings with a 30.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIBU or SPY?
AIBU yields 1.67% while SPY yields 1.01%, so AIBU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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