SMCL vs SPY
Graniteshares 2x Long SMCI Daily 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 | SMCL | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $60M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -51.36% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | -79.83% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 191.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2024 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SMCL vs SPY Performance
Graniteshares 2x Long SMCI Daily ETF (SMCL) is a ETF from GraniteShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SMCL returned -79.83% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SMCL is down 51.36% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 191.9% 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 -97.5% for SMCL 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMCL charges 1.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $9 annually, a gap of $141 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCL currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SMCL and SPY share 1 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SMCL | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMCI | 66.66% | 0.03% | 66.63% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMCL or SPY?
SMCL has an expense ratio of 1.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $141 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCL or SPY?
Over the past year SMCL returned -79.83% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMCL annualized -74.45% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCL or SPY?
SMCL has been the more volatile fund at 191.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SMCL -97.5% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SMCL and SPY?
SMCL and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMCL and SPY?
SMCL and SPY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCL or SPY?
SMCL yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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