NVDU vs SPY
Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. NVDU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NVDU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.92% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $517M | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.25% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.62% | +12.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.77% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +92.19% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 72.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
NVDU vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily NVDA Bull 2X ETF (NVDU) 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 NVDU returned +33.77% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, NVDU is up 19.62% versus a gain of 12.60% for SPY.
Over three years, NVDU compounded at +92.19% per year against +20.98% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, NVDU has the edge at +92.19% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NVDU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 72.9% 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 -67.3% for NVDU 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NVDU charges 0.92% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $92 vs $9 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NVDU currently yields 5.25% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
NVDU and SPY share 1 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NVDU | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 12.34% | 7.71% | 4.63% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NVDU or SPY?
NVDU has an expense ratio of 0.92% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NVDU or SPY?
Over the past year NVDU returned +33.77% vs +20.83% for SPY, so NVDU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NVDU annualized +92.19% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NVDU or SPY?
NVDU has been the more volatile fund at 72.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: NVDU -67.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both NVDU and SPY?
NVDU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NVDU and SPY?
NVDU and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 7.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NVDU or SPY?
NVDU yields 5.25% while SPY yields 1.01%, so NVDU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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