SOUX vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSOUXSPYWinner
Expense Ratio1.29%0.09%
AUM$9M$789.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings11505
YTD Return-72.27%+13.39%
1Y Return-91.58%+22.52%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.36%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.19%
Volatility (annualized)122.7%15.3%
Max Drawdown-96.5%-56.5%
Fund FamilyDefiance ETFs, LLCState Street Investment Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 23, 2025Jan 22, 1993

SOUX vs SPY Performance

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOUN ETF (SOUX) 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 SOUX returned -91.58% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, SOUX is down 72.27% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SOUX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 122.7% 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 -96.5% for SOUX 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SOUX 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, SOUX currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SOUX and SPY share 0 holdings out of 504 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, SOUX or SPY?

SOUX 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, SOUX or SPY?

Over the past year SOUX returned -91.58% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SOUX annualized -77.23% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SOUX or SPY?

SOUX has been the more volatile fund at 122.7% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SOUX -96.5% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both SOUX and SPY?

SOUX and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SOUX and SPY?

SOUX and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SOUX or SPY?

SOUX yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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