CSCS vs SPY

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCSCSSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.00%0.09%
AUM$2M$789.1B
Dividend Yield4.62%1.01%
Holdings9505
YTD Return-42.56%+13.68%
1Y Return-46.23%+21.53%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.44%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.18%
Volatility (annualized)27.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-51.6%-56.5%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 25, 2025Jan 22, 1993

CSCS vs SPY Performance

Direxion Daily CSCO Bear 1X ETF (CSCS) 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 CSCS returned -46.23% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, CSCS is down 42.56% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CSCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.2% 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 -51.6% for CSCS 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

CSCS charges 1.00% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $9 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSCS currently yields 4.62% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

CSCS and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 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, CSCS or SPY?

CSCS has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CSCS or SPY?

Over the past year CSCS returned -46.23% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), CSCS annualized -44.51% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CSCS or SPY?

CSCS has been the more volatile fund at 27.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: CSCS -51.6% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both CSCS and SPY?

CSCS 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 CSCS and SPY?

CSCS and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CSCS or SPY?

CSCS yields 4.62% while SPY yields 1.01%, so CSCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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