DUSL vs SPY
Direxion Daily Industrials Bull 3X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. DUSL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUSL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $59M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +45.04% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.19% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.27% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.62% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 60.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DUSL vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily Industrials Bull 3X ETF (DUSL) 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 DUSL returned +63.19% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, DUSL is up 45.04% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, DUSL compounded at +46.27% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +21.62% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, DUSL has the edge at +19.03% annualized vs +8.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 60.0% 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 -86.1% for DUSL 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUSL charges 0.97% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $9 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUSL currently yields 7.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DUSL and SPY share 81 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DUSL or SPY?
DUSL has an expense ratio of 0.97% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUSL or SPY?
Over the past year DUSL returned +63.19% vs +22.52% for SPY, so DUSL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DUSL annualized +19.03% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUSL or SPY?
DUSL has been the more volatile fund at 60.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DUSL -86.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DUSL and SPY?
DUSL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUSL and SPY?
DUSL and SPY share 81 common holdings with a 8.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUSL or SPY?
DUSL yields 7.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DUSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.