DRV vs SPY
DRV vs SPY
Direxion Daily Real Estate Bear 3X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DRV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.06% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $24M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.68% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -31.06% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | -26.32% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -24.89% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -15.17% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 48.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2009 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DRV vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily Real Estate Bear 3X ETF (DRV) 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 DRV returned -26.32% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DRV is down 31.06% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, DRV compounded at -24.89% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -15.17% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -42.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DRV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.9% 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 -100.0% for DRV 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 -0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DRV charges 1.06% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $106 vs $9 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DRV currently yields 3.68% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DRV and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, DRV or SPY?
DRV has an expense ratio of 1.06% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DRV or SPY?
Over the past year DRV returned -26.32% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), DRV annualized -42.97% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DRV or SPY?
DRV has been the more volatile fund at 48.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DRV -100.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DRV and SPY?
DRV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DRV and SPY?
DRV and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DRV or SPY?
DRV yields 3.68% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DRV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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