Funny to compare SPY vs SPXL (3x ETF)

Discussion in 'Trading' started by Math_Wiz, Jan 16, 2021.

  1. Math_Wiz

    Math_Wiz

    I know this happens frequently and yadda yadda. Just funny, that's all.

    Comparing the weekly charts of SPY and SPXL.

    SPXL is supposed to move 3x as much as SPY.

    You could have bought SPXL in Feb 2020 for around $73, and you'd be flat as of now.
    You could have bought SPY in Feb 2020 for around $$336, and you'd be up around 12% now.

    What happened to SPXL giving you 3x your returns?

    Haha, yes, I know how triple ETFs work, you don't have to explain it to me.
    Just saying it's funny.

    Math_Wiz
     
    Nobert likes this.
  2. guru

    guru

    I guess it may be less funny when you apply Einstein's theory of relativity.

    2-year SPXL vs SPY:
    upload_2021-1-16_15-58-5.png

    9-month SPXL vs SPY:
    upload_2021-1-16_15-59-0.png
     
    Math_Wiz and Nobert like this.
  3. Snuskpelle

    Snuskpelle

    Leveraged ETFs are defined by very simplistic algorithms that perform poorly in a variety of volatile choppy conditions, this is yet another example.
     
  4. KCalhoun

    KCalhoun

    Interesting...... but check TQQQ vs QQQ
     
  5. %%
    LOL/ I haven't even looked @ TQQQ for SAT-SUN;
    QLD tends to do better than SSO or SPY, by a bunch.
    Great charts, not that SPXL or UPRO is designed for long term holding/they are not.
    All those including SPY, pay a good dividend except TQQQ+ QLD
     
    KCalhoun likes this.
  6. jys78

    jys78

    Do any of you guys understand the actual goal of these products?

    For a "math wiz" who understands how they work, and don't need it explained to them - why do you seem surprised it is performing exactly as it should?
     
  7. Apbideas

    Apbideas

    This is also funny. UPRO is up over 1200% for the past 10 years while SPY is up less than 200%.
     
  8. nitrene

    nitrene

    Since Jan 1, 2012 here are the gains from the 5 large 3X ETFs:

    TQQQ 4840%
    SPXL 1155%
    UPRO 1262%
    UDOW 781%
    TNA 294%

    I've owned all these in my Roth since 2012. I also owned some AAPL and it is only up 900%.

    I'm not sure why there is a discrepancy between SPXL & UPRO.

    The most amazing performance in 2020 was the FANG+ 3X ETN -- FNGU. From bottom to peak it was up almost 13X -- 1164%.
     
  9. Math_Wiz

    Math_Wiz

    Bizarre conclusion/assumption. "I know this happens frequently" should be interpreted as "I am not surprised."
     
  10. Sig

    Sig

    Why is it "funny" then? It's as "funny" as SPY going up the same amount at the S&P 500 or an ITM put option going up in value by $5 when the underlying drops by $5 or losing money selling VIX call options even though it always reverts to the mean. They're all simply doing exactly what they're designed to do. It's an odd comment that something normal and working exactly as it should is "funny" is all everyone is pointing out to you. Or perhaps you just have an odd sense of humor; nothing wrong with that but don't be surprised when it earns some puzzled looks.
     
    #10     Jan 18, 2021
    jys78 likes this.