SPY vs TECL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. TECL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | TECL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.87% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $5.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.62% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 86 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +74.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +110.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +68.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +29.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 60.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -78.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 17, 2008 |
SPY vs TECL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Direxion Daily Technology Bull 3X ETF (TECL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while TECL returned +110.20%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 74.66% for TECL.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.67% per year against +68.02% for TECL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +29.34% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, TECL has the edge at +44.74% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TECL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 60.0% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -78.0% for TECL. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TECL charges 0.87%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $87 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 3.62% for TECL.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TECL share 74 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 37.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TECL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TECL charges 0.87%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $78 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TECL?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +110.20% for TECL, so TECL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +44.74% for TECL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TECL?
TECL has been the more volatile fund at 60.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TECL -78.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and TECL?
SPY and TECL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TECL?
SPY and TECL share 74 common holdings with a 37.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TECL?
SPY yields 1.01% while TECL yields 3.62%, so TECL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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