RETL vs SPY
Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RETL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $27M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.49% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -9.02% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.41% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.59% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -26.97% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 70.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -92.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 14, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RETL vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X ETF (RETL) 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 RETL returned -9.41% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, RETL is down 9.02% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, RETL compounded at +7.59% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are -26.97% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, RETL has the edge at +12.68% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RETL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 70.5% 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 -92.0% for RETL 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RETL charges 0.96% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $9 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RETL currently yields 0.49% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RETL and SPY share 17 holdings out of 565 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RETL or SPY?
RETL has an expense ratio of 0.96% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RETL or SPY?
Over the past year RETL returned -9.41% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RETL annualized +12.68% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RETL or SPY?
RETL has been the more volatile fund at 70.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RETL -92.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RETL and SPY?
RETL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RETL and SPY?
RETL and SPY share 17 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 565 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RETL or SPY?
RETL yields 0.49% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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