PLTD vs SPY
Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PLTD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $39M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.57% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -23.76% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | -21.64% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 55.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PLTD vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily PLTR Bear 1X ETF (PLTD) 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 PLTD returned -21.64% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, PLTD is down 23.76% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PLTD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.1% 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 -79.3% for PLTD 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 -0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PLTD 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, PLTD currently yields 2.57% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PLTD and SPY share 0 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PLTD or SPY?
PLTD 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, PLTD or SPY?
Over the past year PLTD returned -21.64% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PLTD annualized -59.03% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLTD or SPY?
PLTD has been the more volatile fund at 55.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PLTD -79.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PLTD and SPY?
PLTD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PLTD and SPY?
PLTD and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLTD or SPY?
PLTD yields 2.57% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PLTD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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