DIG vs SPY
DIG vs SPY
ProShares Ultra Energy vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DIG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $80M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.80% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 29 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +52.71% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +77.63% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.01% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +33.24% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DIG vs SPY Performance
ProShares Ultra Energy (DIG) is a ETF from ProShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DIG returned +77.63% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DIG is up 52.71% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, DIG compounded at +14.01% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +33.24% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -1.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.9% 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 -97.4% for DIG 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIG charges 0.95% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $9 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIG currently yields 1.80% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DIG and SPY share 21 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DIG | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XOM | 13.86% | 0.87% | 12.99% |
| CVX | 9.99% | 0.49% | 9.50% |
| COP | 4.01% | 0.19% | 3.82% |
| MPC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PSX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SLB:CW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KMI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DIG shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIG or SPY?
DIG has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIG or SPY?
Over the past year DIG returned +77.63% vs +23.66% for SPY, so DIG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DIG annualized -1.76% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIG or SPY?
DIG has been the more volatile fund at 52.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DIG -97.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DIG and SPY?
DIG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIG and SPY?
DIG and SPY share 21 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIG or SPY?
DIG yields 1.80% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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