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

MetricMSFLSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.15%0.09%
AUM$124M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings2505
YTD Return-2.08%+13.79%
1Y Return-22.06%+23.66%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.40%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.37%
Volatility (annualized)61.3%15.3%
Max Drawdown-62.1%-56.5%
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesState Street Investment Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 4, 2024Jan 22, 1993

MSFL vs SPY Performance

GraniteShares 2x Long MSFT Daily ETF (MSFL) is a ETF from GraniteShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year MSFL returned -22.06% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, MSFL is down 2.08% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MSFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 61.3% 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 -62.1% for MSFL 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MSFL charges 1.15% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $115 vs $9 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSFL currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

4.4%overlap

MSFL and SPY share 1 holdings out of 503 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in MSFLWeight in SPYDifference
MSFT66.65%4.43%62.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MSFL or SPY?

MSFL has an expense ratio of 1.15% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MSFL or SPY?

Over the past year MSFL returned -22.06% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MSFL annualized -0.19% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MSFL or SPY?

MSFL has been the more volatile fund at 61.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: MSFL -62.1% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both MSFL and SPY?

MSFL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MSFL and SPY?

MSFL and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 4.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 503 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MSFL or SPY?

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

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