QQQU vs SPY
Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. QQQU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $76M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.09% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -1.29% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.12% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 45.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 7, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
QQQU vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily Magnificent 7 Bull 2X ETF (QQQU) 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 QQQU returned +23.12% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, QQQU is down 1.29% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 45.1% 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 -53.7% for QQQU 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQU 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, QQQU currently yields 10.09% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
QQQU and SPY share 7 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQU or SPY?
QQQU 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, QQQU or SPY?
Over the past year QQQU returned +23.12% vs +20.83% for SPY, so QQQU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQU annualized +41.35% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQU or SPY?
QQQU has been the more volatile fund at 45.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: QQQU -53.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both QQQU and SPY?
QQQU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQU and SPY?
QQQU and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 30.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQU or SPY?
QQQU yields 10.09% while SPY yields 1.01%, so QQQU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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