ASTX 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

MetricASTXSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.30%0.09%
AUM$265M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings6505
YTD Return-70.87%+14.47%
1Y Return-49.61%+21.96%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.70%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.30%
Volatility (annualized)233.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-91.2%-56.5%
Fund FamilyTradr ETFsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 10, 2025Jan 22, 1993

ASTX vs SPY Performance

Tradr 2X Long ASTS Daily ETF (ASTX) 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 ASTX returned -49.61% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, ASTX is down 70.87% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ASTX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 233.9% 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 -91.2% for ASTX 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ASTX 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, ASTX currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

ASTX 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, ASTX or SPY?

ASTX 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, ASTX or SPY?

Over the past year ASTX returned -49.61% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ASTX annualized -39.86% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ASTX or SPY?

ASTX has been the more volatile fund at 233.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ASTX -91.2% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both ASTX and SPY?

ASTX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ASTX and SPY?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, ASTX or SPY?

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

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