MEXX vs SPY
Direxion Daily MSCI Mexico Bull 3X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. MEXX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MEXX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.23% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $20M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.14% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.35% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.01% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.48% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 71.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -95.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
MEXX vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily MSCI Mexico Bull 3X ETF (MEXX) 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 MEXX returned +60.35% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, MEXX is up 16.14% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, MEXX compounded at +2.01% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.48% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs -6.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MEXX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 71.5% 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 -95.8% for MEXX 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEXX charges 1.23% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $123 vs $9 annually, a gap of $114 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEXX currently yields 1.46% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
MEXX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MEXX or SPY?
MEXX has an expense ratio of 1.23% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $114 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEXX or SPY?
Over the past year MEXX returned +60.35% vs +21.53% for SPY, so MEXX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), MEXX annualized -6.18% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEXX or SPY?
MEXX has been the more volatile fund at 71.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MEXX -95.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both MEXX and SPY?
MEXX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEXX and SPY?
MEXX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEXX or SPY?
MEXX yields 1.46% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MEXX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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