SPY vs WANT
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Direxion Daily Consumer Discretionary Bull 3X 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 | WANT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.00% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $21M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 0.54% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 54 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | -13.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | -6.55% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +14.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | -8.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 70.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -85.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Nov 29, 2018 |
SPY vs WANT Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Direxion Daily Consumer Discretionary Bull 3X ETF (WANT) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while WANT returned -6.55%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a loss of 13.16% for WANT.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.98% per year against +14.40% for WANT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and -8.30% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.81% annualized vs +7.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WANT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 70.0% 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 -85.9% for WANT. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while WANT charges 1.00%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $100 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 0.54% for WANT.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and WANT share 47 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or WANT?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while WANT charges 1.00%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or WANT?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs -6.55% for WANT, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +7.44% for WANT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or WANT?
WANT has been the more volatile fund at 70.0% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs WANT -85.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and WANT?
SPY and WANT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and WANT?
SPY and WANT share 47 common holdings with a 9.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or WANT?
SPY yields 1.01% while WANT yields 0.54%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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