COM vs SPY

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: COMMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCOMSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.72%0.09%
AUM$205M$789.1B
Dividend Yield2.60%1.01%
Holdings16505
YTD Return+15.62%+13.79%
1Y Return+25.50%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.88%+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.25%+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)8.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-18.8%-56.5%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustState Street Investment Management
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionMar 30, 2017Jan 22, 1993

COM vs SPY Performance

Direxion Auspice Broad Commodity Strategy ETF (COM) 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 COM returned +25.50% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, COM is up 15.62% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Over three years, COM compounded at +7.88% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.25% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 8.7% for COM. 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 -18.8% for COM 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

COM charges 0.72% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $9 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, COM currently yields 2.60% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

COM 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, COM or SPY?

COM has an expense ratio of 0.72% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.

Which performed better, COM or SPY?

Over the past year COM returned +25.50% vs +23.66% for SPY, so COM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), COM annualized +6.51% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, COM or SPY?

SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 8.7% for COM. Worst drawdown: COM -18.8% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both COM and SPY?

COM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between COM and SPY?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, COM or SPY?

COM yields 2.60% while SPY yields 1.01%, so COM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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