ERX vs SPY
Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. ERX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ERX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $229M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.85% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 29 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +71.38% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +100.76% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.09% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +36.04% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 65.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2008 | Jan 22, 1993 |
ERX vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily Energy Bull 2X ETF (ERX) 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 ERX returned +100.76% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, ERX is up 71.38% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, ERX compounded at +17.09% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +36.04% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -7.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ERX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65.6% 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 -99.6% for ERX 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ERX charges 0.91% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $9 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ERX currently yields 1.85% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
ERX and SPY share 21 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ERX or SPY?
ERX has an expense ratio of 0.91% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ERX or SPY?
Over the past year ERX returned +100.76% vs +22.52% for SPY, so ERX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), ERX annualized -7.73% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ERX or SPY?
ERX has been the more volatile fund at 65.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: ERX -99.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both ERX and SPY?
ERX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ERX and SPY?
ERX and SPY share 21 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ERX or SPY?
ERX yields 1.85% while SPY yields 1.01%, so ERX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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