BTFL vs SPY

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: BTFLMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBTFLSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.31%0.09%
AUM$2M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings6505
YTD Return+109.50%+13.39%
1Y Return+147.24%+22.52%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.36%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.19%
Volatility (annualized)3486232.1%15.3%
Max Drawdown-100.0%-56.5%
Fund FamilyDefiance ETFs, LLCState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 29, 2025Jan 22, 1993

BTFL vs SPY Performance

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long BITF ETF (BTFL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year BTFL returned +147.24% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, BTFL is up 109.50% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BTFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 3486232.1% 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 -100.0% for BTFL 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 -0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BTFL charges 1.31% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $9 annually, a gap of $122 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTFL currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BTFL 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, BTFL or SPY?

BTFL has an expense ratio of 1.31% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $122 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BTFL or SPY?

Over the past year BTFL returned +147.24% vs +22.52% for SPY, so BTFL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BTFL annualized +41.83% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BTFL or SPY?

BTFL has been the more volatile fund at 3486232.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: BTFL -100.0% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both BTFL and SPY?

BTFL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BTFL and SPY?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, BTFL or SPY?

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

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