SPUU vs VYM
SPUU vs VYM
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SPUU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPUU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $248M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.34% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 510 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.16% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.51% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.33% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.83% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPUU vs VYM Performance
Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPUU returned +33.51% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, SPUU is up 16.16% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, SPUU compounded at +31.33% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +17.83% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPUU has the edge at +18.27% annualized vs +6.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPUU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.5% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -59.4% for SPUU and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPUU charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPUU currently yields 1.34% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPUU and VYM share 228 holdings out of 835 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPUU | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.87% | 6.47% | 3.60% |
| JPM | 1.21% | 3.36% | 2.15% |
| XOM | 0.90% | 2.83% | 1.93% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SPUU shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPUU or VYM?
SPUU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPUU or VYM?
Over the past year SPUU returned +33.51% vs +23.76% for VYM, so SPUU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SPUU annualized +18.27% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPUU or VYM?
SPUU has been the more volatile fund at 30.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPUU -59.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPUU and VYM?
SPUU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPUU and VYM?
SPUU and VYM share 228 common holdings with a 30.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 835 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPUU or VYM?
SPUU yields 1.34% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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