DAUG vs SPUU
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August vs Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF
Which is better, DAUG or SPUU?
SPUU has been ahead.
SPUU has a lower expense ratio. SPUU led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DAUG | SPUU |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.60%Best |
| AUM | $446M | $296M |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.31% |
| Holdings | 10 | 1,020 |
| YTD Return | +7.66% | +22.36%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.87% | +29.25%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.57% | +38.29%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.73% | +18.51%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.1%Best | 34.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -15.3%Best | -59.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,849 | $23,376Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Direxion Shares ETF Trust |
| Category | Alternative | Alternative |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2019 | May 28, 2014 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 7, 2019 to Oct 14, 2026 (6.9 years).
DAUG vs SPUU growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.9 years both funds cover.
DAUG vs SPUU Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - August (DAUG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bull 2X ETF (SPUU) is an ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year DAUG returned +9.87% while SPUU returned +29.25%. Year to date, DAUG is up 7.66% versus a gain of 22.36% for SPUU.
Over three years, DAUG compounded at +12.57% per year against +38.29% for SPUU; over five years the annualized figures are +6.73% and +18.51% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SPUU has the edge at +22.07% annualized vs +6.85%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPUU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.2% compared with 8.1% for DAUG. 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 -15.3% for DAUG and -59.4% for SPUU. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAUG charges 0.85% per year while SPUU charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $60 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAUG currently yields 0.00% against 1.31% for SPUU.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DAUG and SPUU you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAUG or SPUU?
DAUG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPUU charges 0.60%. SPUU is the cheaper option, by $25 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DAUG or SPUU?
Over the past year DAUG returned +9.87% vs +29.25% for SPUU, so SPUU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DAUG annualized +6.85% vs +22.07% for SPUU. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DAUG or SPUU?
SPUU has been the more volatile fund at 34.2% annualized versus 8.1% for DAUG. Worst drawdown: DAUG -15.3% vs SPUU -59.4%.
Should I hold both DAUG and SPUU?
DAUG and SPUU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAUG or SPUU?
DAUG yields 0.00% while SPUU yields 1.31%, so SPUU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SPUU better than DAUG?
SPUU has a lower expense ratio. SPUU led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.94. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.