ARMG vs SPY

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: ARMGMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricARMGSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.78%0.09%
AUM$55M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.70%1.01%
Holdings5505
YTD Return+228.43%+13.68%
1Y Return+86.47%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)176.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-80.3%-56.5%
Fund FamilyLeverage SharesState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJan 14, 2025Jan 22, 1993

ARMG vs SPY Performance

Leverage Shares 2X Long ARM Daily ETF (ARMG) is a ETF from Leverage Shares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year ARMG returned +86.47% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, ARMG is up 228.43% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ARMG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 176.7% 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 -80.3% for ARMG 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

ARMG charges 0.78% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $9 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARMG currently yields 0.70% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

ARMG and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ARMG or SPY?

ARMG has an expense ratio of 0.78% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ARMG or SPY?

Over the past year ARMG returned +86.47% vs +21.53% for SPY, so ARMG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ARMG annualized +22.59% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ARMG or SPY?

ARMG has been the more volatile fund at 176.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ARMG -80.3% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both ARMG and SPY?

ARMG 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 ARMG and SPY?

ARMG and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ARMG or SPY?

ARMG yields 0.70% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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