PLTU vs SPY
Direxion Daily PLTR 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 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PLTU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $374M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 68.54% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -20.33% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | -40.76% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 116.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PLTU vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily PLTR Bull 2X ETF (PLTU) 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 PLTU returned -40.76% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, PLTU is down 20.33% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PLTU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 116.8% 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 -79.4% for PLTU 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PLTU charges 0.97% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $9 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLTU currently yields 68.54% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
PLTU and SPY share 1 holdings out of 507 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 PLTU | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLTR | 24.40% | 0.47% | 23.93% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PLTU or SPY?
PLTU has an expense ratio of 0.97% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PLTU or SPY?
Over the past year PLTU returned -40.76% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PLTU annualized +70.55% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLTU or SPY?
PLTU has been the more volatile fund at 116.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PLTU -79.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PLTU and SPY?
PLTU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PLTU and SPY?
PLTU and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLTU or SPY?
PLTU yields 68.54% while SPY yields 1.01%, so PLTU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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