LABX vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLABXSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.30%0.09%
AUM$42M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings4505
YTD Return-24.90%+13.75%
1Y Return-53.46%+22.91%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.67%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.32%
Volatility (annualized)324.9%15.3%
Max Drawdown-96.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyTradr ETFsState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionAug 11, 2025Jan 22, 1993

LABX vs SPY Performance

Tradr 2X Long ALAB Daily ETF (LABX) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year LABX returned -53.46% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, LABX is down 24.90% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

LABX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 324.9% 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 -96.1% for LABX 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

LABX charges 1.30% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $9 annually, a gap of $121 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LABX currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, LABX or SPY?

LABX has an expense ratio of 1.30% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $121 per year of difference.

Which performed better, LABX or SPY?

Over the past year LABX returned -53.46% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, LABX or SPY?

LABX has been the more volatile fund at 324.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: LABX -96.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both LABX and SPY?

LABX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, LABX or SPY?

LABX yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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