SPY vs TSL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs GraniteShares 1.25x Long TSLA Daily ETF
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 | SPY | TSL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.15% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $10M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | -29.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | -4.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +6.31% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 73.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -74.5% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | GraniteShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Aug 9, 2022 |
SPY vs TSL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and GraniteShares 1.25x Long TSLA Daily ETF (TSL) is a ETF from GraniteShares. Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while TSL returned -4.20%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a loss of 29.50% for TSL.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +6.31% for TSL. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -4.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 73.9% 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 -56.5% for SPY and -74.5% for TSL. 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while TSL charges 1.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $115 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.00% for TSL.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and TSL share 1 holdings out of 504 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in TSL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSLA | 1.38% | 55.60% | 54.22% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or TSL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while TSL charges 1.15%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or TSL?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs -4.20% for TSL, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs -4.59% for TSL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or TSL?
TSL has been the more volatile fund at 73.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs TSL -74.5%.
Should I hold both SPY and TSL?
SPY and TSL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and TSL?
SPY and TSL share 1 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 504 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or TSL?
SPY yields 1.01% while TSL yields 0.00%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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