PILL vs SPY
Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. PILL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PILL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $23M | $814.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.36% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +77.32% | +12.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +161.01% | +21.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.90% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.77% | +12.69% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 60.2% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2017 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PILL vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X ETF (PILL) 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 PILL returned +161.01% while SPY returned +21.13%. Year to date, PILL is up 77.32% versus a gain of 12.87% for SPY.
Over three years, PILL compounded at +29.90% per year against +20.86% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.77% and +12.69% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.80% annualized vs -0.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PILL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 60.2% 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 -88.9% for PILL 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PILL charges 0.98% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $9 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PILL currently yields 0.36% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PILL and SPY share 7 holdings out of 564 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PILL or SPY?
PILL has an expense ratio of 0.98% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PILL or SPY?
Over the past year PILL returned +161.01% vs +21.13% for SPY, so PILL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PILL annualized -0.79% vs +8.80% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PILL or SPY?
PILL has been the more volatile fund at 60.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PILL -88.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PILL and SPY?
PILL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PILL and SPY?
PILL and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 2.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 564 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PILL or SPY?
PILL yields 0.36% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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