SPUU vs SPY
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPUU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPUU offers more diversification with 510 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPUU | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $297M | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 510 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.58% | +12.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.68% | +20.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +36.43% | +21.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.97% | +12.93% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SPUU vs SPY Performance
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) 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 SPUU returned +34.68% while SPY returned +20.06%. Year to date, SPUU is up 21.58% versus a gain of 12.73% for SPY.
Over three years, SPUU compounded at +36.43% per year against +21.59% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +17.97% and +12.93% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPUU has the edge at +18.59% annualized vs +8.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPUU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.4% 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 -59.4% for SPUU 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPUU charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPUU currently yields 1.35% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SPUU and SPY share 496 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 88.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPUU or SPY?
SPUU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPUU or SPY?
Over the past year SPUU returned +34.68% vs +20.06% for SPY, so SPUU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SPUU annualized +18.59% vs +8.80% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPUU or SPY?
SPUU has been the more volatile fund at 30.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPUU -59.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SPUU and SPY?
SPUU and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPUU and SPY?
SPUU and SPY share 496 common holdings with a 88.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPUU or SPY?
SPUU yields 1.35% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPUU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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