MSFD vs SPY

MSFD vs SPY
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Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMSFDSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.02%0.09%
AUM$18M$821.1B
Dividend Yield4.03%1.01%
Holdings6505
YTD Return-7.37%+13.70%
1Y Return+2.01%+21.44%
3Y Return (annualized)-13.58%+22.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.24%
Volatility (annualized)26.0%15.3%
Max Drawdown-59.9%-56.5%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 7, 2022Jan 22, 1993

MSFD vs SPY Performance

Direxion Daily MSFT Bear 1X ETF (MSFD) 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 MSFD returned +2.01% while SPY returned +21.44%. Year to date, MSFD is down 7.37% versus a gain of 13.70% for SPY.

Over three years, MSFD compounded at -13.58% per year against +22.50% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs -16.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MSFD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.0% 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 -59.9% for MSFD 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 -0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MSFD charges 1.02% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $9 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSFD currently yields 4.03% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MSFD and SPY share 0 holdings out of 507 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, MSFD or SPY?

MSFD has an expense ratio of 1.02% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MSFD or SPY?

Over the past year MSFD returned +2.01% vs +21.44% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MSFD annualized -16.00% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MSFD or SPY?

MSFD has been the more volatile fund at 26.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MSFD -59.9% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both MSFD and SPY?

MSFD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MSFD and SPY?

MSFD and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MSFD or SPY?

MSFD yields 4.03% while SPY yields 1.01%, so MSFD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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