NFXL vs SPY
Direxion Daily NFLX Bull 2X 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 | NFXL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $155M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.94% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -34.39% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -65.81% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 72.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NFXL vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily NFLX Bull 2X ETF (NFXL) 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 NFXL returned -65.81% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, NFXL is down 34.39% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NFXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 72.0% 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 -80.3% for NFXL 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 0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFXL charges 1.05% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $9 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFXL currently yields 12.94% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NFXL and SPY share 1 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NFXL | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFLX | 18.83% | 0.47% | 18.36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFXL or SPY?
NFXL has an expense ratio of 1.05% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFXL or SPY?
Over the past year NFXL returned -65.81% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), NFXL annualized -10.19% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFXL or SPY?
NFXL has been the more volatile fund at 72.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NFXL -80.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NFXL and SPY?
NFXL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFXL and SPY?
NFXL and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFXL or SPY?
NFXL yields 12.94% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NFXL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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