GUSH vs SPY
Direxion Daily S&P Oil & Gas Exp. & Prod. Bull 2X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. GUSH delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUSH | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $222M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +78.01% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +90.80% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.86% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.46% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 102.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
GUSH vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily S&P Oil & Gas Exp. & Prod. Bull 2X ETF (GUSH) 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 GUSH returned +90.80% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, GUSH is up 78.01% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, GUSH compounded at +2.86% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +20.46% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -42.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUSH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 102.9% 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 GUSH 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUSH charges 0.94% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $9 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUSH currently yields 1.54% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
GUSH and SPY share 14 holdings out of 543 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUSH or SPY?
GUSH has an expense ratio of 0.94% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUSH or SPY?
Over the past year GUSH returned +90.80% vs +21.53% for SPY, so GUSH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), GUSH annualized -42.04% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUSH or SPY?
GUSH has been the more volatile fund at 102.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: GUSH -100.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both GUSH and SPY?
GUSH and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUSH and SPY?
GUSH and SPY share 14 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 543 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUSH or SPY?
GUSH yields 1.54% while SPY yields 1.01%, so GUSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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