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QLD and SPXL Offer Distinct Leverage for Growth Investors
The Motley Foolยท 2025-11-08 17:21
Core Insights - SPXL and QLD are leveraged ETFs with different targets: SPXL aims for triple the daily performance of the S&P 500, while QLD seeks double the daily returns of the Nasdaq-100, resulting in distinct sector exposures and risk profiles [1][2]. ETF Overview - SPXL, issued by Direxion, has an expense ratio of 0.87%, a one-year return of 35.6%, a dividend yield of 0.8%, and assets under management (AUM) of $5.9 billion. Its beta is 3.05, indicating higher volatility compared to the S&P 500 [3]. - QLD, issued by ProShares, has an expense ratio of 0.95%, a one-year return of 44.6%, a dividend yield of 0.2%, and AUM of $9.9 billion. Its beta is 2.22, reflecting lower volatility than SPXL [3]. Performance Metrics - Over five years, a $1,000 investment in SPXL would grow to $4,717, while the same investment in QLD would grow to $3,434. Both funds experienced a maximum drawdown of approximately 63% [4]. - SPXL has outperformed QLD over a longer timeframe, with a five-year total return of 366% (CAGR of 36.1%) compared to QLD's 252% (CAGR of 28.6%). Both funds significantly outperformed the S&P 500, which had a total return of 123% (CAGR of 17.4%) over the same period [8]. Sector Exposure - QLD's portfolio is heavily weighted towards technology (54%), followed by communication services (16%) and consumer cyclical (13%). It holds 121 companies, with top positions in Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [5]. - SPXL spreads its assets across 516 holdings, with its largest positions mirroring the S&P 500, but with smaller weights in Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft compared to QLD [5]. Investment Considerations - Both SPXL and QLD provide leveraged exposure to major indexes, but they come with high fees and extreme volatility. The daily leverage reset mechanism can impact long-term returns if held beyond a single day [9].