RKLX vs SPY
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB 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 | RKLX | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $270M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 36.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -58.04% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | -18.29% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 209.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2025 | Jan 22, 1993 |
RKLX vs SPY Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF (RKLX) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year RKLX returned -18.29% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, RKLX is down 58.04% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RKLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 209.8% 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 -88.1% for RKLX 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RKLX charges 1.29% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $9 annually, a gap of $120 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RKLX currently yields 36.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
RKLX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 505 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, RKLX or SPY?
RKLX has an expense ratio of 1.29% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $120 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RKLX or SPY?
Over the past year RKLX returned -18.29% vs +21.82% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RKLX annualized +123.31% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RKLX or SPY?
RKLX has been the more volatile fund at 209.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: RKLX -88.1% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both RKLX and SPY?
RKLX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RKLX and SPY?
RKLX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RKLX or SPY?
RKLX yields 36.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so RKLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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