FAZ vs SPY
Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Which is better, FAZ or SPY?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.81, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAZ | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.09%Best |
| AUM | $93M | $814.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.54% | 1.01% |
| Holdings | 8 | 505 |
| YTD Return | -17.37% | +13.34%Best |
| 1Y Return | -21.07% | +19.97%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -42.49% | +21.20%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -31.38% | +12.81%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 53.3% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -34.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $1,521 | $18,270Best |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2008 | Jan 22, 1993 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 6, 2008 to Sep 4, 2026 (17.8 years).
FAZ vs SPY growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
FAZ vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X ETF (FAZ) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is an ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FAZ returned -21.07% while SPY returned +19.97%. Year to date, FAZ is down 17.37% versus a gain of 13.34% for SPY.
Over three years, FAZ compounded at -42.49% per year against +21.20% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -31.38% and +12.81% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +13.21% annualized vs -52.73%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 53.3% compared with 14.8% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.81. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAZ charges 1.03% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $9 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAZ currently yields 2.54% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in FAZ and 503 in SPY, totalling 110.8% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 3 positions we hold weights for in FAZ and 503 in SPY, against full books of 8 and 505.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FAZ and SPY you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAZ or SPY?
FAZ has an expense ratio of 1.03% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option, by $94 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FAZ or SPY?
Over the past year FAZ returned -21.07% vs +19.97% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), FAZ annualized -52.73% vs +13.21% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FAZ or SPY?
FAZ has been the more volatile fund at 53.3% annualized versus 14.8% for SPY.
Should I hold both FAZ and SPY?
FAZ and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.81, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAZ or SPY?
FAZ yields 2.54% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FAZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SPY better than FAZ?
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.81, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.