NAIL vs SPY
Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NAIL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $585M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -17.89% | +13.17% | |
| 1Y Return | -49.64% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -13.53% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -11.86% | +13.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 86.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -93.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2015 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NAIL vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X ETF (NAIL) 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 NAIL returned -49.64% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, NAIL is down 17.89% versus a gain of 13.17% for SPY.
Over three years, NAIL compounded at -13.53% per year against +22.06% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -11.86% and +13.35% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NAIL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 86.9% 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 -93.8% for NAIL 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NAIL charges 0.96% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $9 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NAIL currently yields 0.83% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NAIL and SPY share 10 holdings out of 543 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NAIL or SPY?
NAIL has an expense ratio of 0.96% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NAIL or SPY?
Over the past year NAIL returned -49.64% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), NAIL annualized +0.73% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NAIL or SPY?
NAIL has been the more volatile fund at 86.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NAIL -93.8% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NAIL and SPY?
NAIL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NAIL and SPY?
NAIL and SPY share 10 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 543 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NAIL or SPY?
NAIL yields 0.83% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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