SPY vs YANG
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 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 | YANG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 1.03% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $99M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.49% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +13.21% | +30.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.87% | +11.77% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.16% | -44.82% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.74% | -38.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 66.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Dec 3, 2009 |
SPY vs YANG Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Direxion Daily FTSE China Bear 3X ETF (YANG) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year SPY returned +19.87% while YANG returned +11.77%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.21% versus a gain of 30.02% for YANG.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.16% per year against -44.82% for YANG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.74% and -38.34% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs -38.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YANG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 66.3% 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 -100.0% for YANG. 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 -0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while YANG charges 1.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $103 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 3.49% for YANG.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and YANG share 0 holdings out of 507 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 YANG?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while YANG charges 1.03%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or YANG?
Over the past year SPY returned +19.87% vs +11.77% for YANG, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SPY annualized +8.82% vs -38.07% for YANG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or YANG?
YANG has been the more volatile fund at 66.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs YANG -100.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and YANG?
SPY and YANG have a monthly-return correlation of -0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and YANG?
SPY and YANG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or YANG?
SPY yields 1.01% while YANG yields 3.49%, so YANG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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