BOEU vs SPY

BOEU vs SPY
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Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBOEUSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.06%0.09%
AUM$22M$821.1B
Dividend Yield1.72%1.01%
Holdings10505
YTD Return-15.94%+12.93%
1Y Return-26.37%+20.62%
3Y Return (annualized)-+22.00%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.33%
Volatility (annualized)58.8%15.3%
Max Drawdown-46.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 23, 2025Jan 22, 1993

BOEU vs SPY Performance

Direxion Daily BA Bull 2X ETF (BOEU) 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 BOEU returned -26.37% while SPY returned +20.62%. Year to date, BOEU is down 15.94% versus a gain of 12.93% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BOEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 58.8% 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 -46.0% for BOEU 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BOEU charges 1.06% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $106 vs $9 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOEU currently yields 1.72% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.3%overlap

BOEU and SPY share 1 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in BOEUWeight in SPYDifference
BA15.72%0.28%15.44%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BOEU or SPY?

BOEU has an expense ratio of 1.06% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BOEU or SPY?

Over the past year BOEU returned -26.37% vs +20.62% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BOEU annualized +19.74% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BOEU or SPY?

BOEU has been the more volatile fund at 58.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BOEU -46.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both BOEU and SPY?

BOEU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BOEU and SPY?

BOEU and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BOEU or SPY?

BOEU yields 1.72% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BOEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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