DPST vs SPY
Direxion Daily Regional Banks Bull 3X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DPST delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DPST | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.92% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $439M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 161 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +46.95% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +80.81% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.86% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -18.00% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 82.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DPST vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily Regional Banks Bull 3X ETF (DPST) 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 DPST returned +80.81% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, DPST is up 46.95% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, DPST compounded at +26.86% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -18.00% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -13.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DPST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 82.3% 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 -97.8% for DPST 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DPST charges 0.92% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $92 vs $9 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DPST currently yields 1.55% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DPST and SPY share 5 holdings out of 663 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DPST or SPY?
DPST has an expense ratio of 0.92% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DPST or SPY?
Over the past year DPST returned +80.81% vs +22.52% for SPY, so DPST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), DPST annualized -13.04% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DPST or SPY?
DPST has been the more volatile fund at 82.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DPST -97.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DPST and SPY?
DPST and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DPST and SPY?
DPST and SPY share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 663 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DPST or SPY?
DPST yields 1.55% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DPST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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