SPY vs UBOT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Direxion Daily Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 2X 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 | UBOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.32% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $27M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.14% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 8 | |
| YTD Return | +14.24% | -3.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.71% | +9.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.10% | +12.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.21% | -9.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 60.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -86.1% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Apr 19, 2018 |
SPY vs UBOT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Direxion Daily Robotics, Artificial Intelligence & Automation Index Bull 2X ETF (UBOT) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% while UBOT returned +9.39%. Year to date, SPY is up 14.24% versus a loss of 3.29% for UBOT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +22.10% per year against +12.06% for UBOT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.21% and -9.42% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.86% annualized vs -7.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UBOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 60.3% 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 -86.1% for UBOT. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while UBOT charges 1.32%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $132 annually, a gap of $123 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 1.14% for UBOT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and UBOT share 0 holdings out of 508 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, SPY or UBOT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while UBOT charges 1.32%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $123 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or UBOT?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.71% vs +9.39% for UBOT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SPY annualized +8.86% vs -7.14% for UBOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or UBOT?
UBOT has been the more volatile fund at 60.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs UBOT -86.1%.
Should I hold both SPY and UBOT?
SPY and UBOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and UBOT?
SPY and UBOT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or UBOT?
SPY yields 1.01% while UBOT yields 1.14%, so UBOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.