Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: CSCLMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCSCLSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.07%0.09%
AUM$15M$789.1B
Dividend Yield1.22%1.01%
Holdings11505
YTD Return+123.66%+13.79%
1Y Return+154.05%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)72.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-30.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 25, 2025Jan 22, 1993

CSCL vs SPY Performance

Direxion Daily CSCO Bull 2X ETF (CSCL) 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 CSCL returned +154.05% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, CSCL is up 123.66% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CSCL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 72.2% 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 -30.6% for CSCL 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CSCL charges 1.07% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $9 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSCL currently yields 1.22% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.7%overlap

CSCL and SPY share 1 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CSCLWeight in SPYDifference
CSCO15.20%0.69%14.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CSCL or SPY?

CSCL has an expense ratio of 1.07% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CSCL or SPY?

Over the past year CSCL returned +154.05% vs +23.66% for SPY, so CSCL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CSCL annualized +139.42% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CSCL or SPY?

CSCL has been the more volatile fund at 72.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CSCL -30.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both CSCL and SPY?

CSCL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CSCL and SPY?

CSCL and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CSCL or SPY?

CSCL yields 1.22% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CSCL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.