APPX vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAPPXSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.30%0.09%
AUM$65M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings10505
YTD Return-47.82%+13.75%
1Y Return-23.62%+22.91%
3Y Return (annualized)+62.51%+21.67%
5Y Return (annualized)+62.51%+13.32%
Volatility (annualized)166.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-81.4%-56.5%
Fund FamilyTradr ETFsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 24, 2025Jan 22, 1993

APPX vs SPY Performance

Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF (APPX) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year APPX returned -23.62% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, APPX is down 47.82% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.

Over three years, APPX compounded at +62.51% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +62.51% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

APPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 166.2% 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 -81.4% for APPX 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

APPX charges 1.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $9 annually, a gap of $121 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APPX currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, APPX or SPY?

APPX has an expense ratio of 1.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $121 per year of difference.

Which performed better, APPX or SPY?

Over the past year APPX returned -23.62% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), APPX annualized +7.33% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, APPX or SPY?

APPX has been the more volatile fund at 166.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: APPX -81.4% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both APPX and SPY?

APPX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, APPX or SPY?

APPX yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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