BRKU vs SPY
Direxion Daily BRKB Bull 2X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRKU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $40M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.47% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -6.94% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.17% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
BRKU vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily BRKB Bull 2X ETF (BRKU) 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 BRKU returned -8.17% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, BRKU is down 6.94% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BRKU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.0% 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 -35.0% for BRKU 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 -0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRKU charges 1.02% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $9 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRKU currently yields 2.47% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
BRKU and SPY share 0 holdings out of 509 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, BRKU or SPY?
BRKU has an expense ratio of 1.02% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRKU or SPY?
Over the past year BRKU returned -8.17% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BRKU annualized -4.02% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRKU or SPY?
BRKU has been the more volatile fund at 32.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BRKU -35.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both BRKU and SPY?
BRKU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRKU and SPY?
BRKU and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRKU or SPY?
BRKU yields 2.47% while SPY yields 1.01%, so BRKU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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