IDOG vs SPY
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. IDOG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDOG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $539M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.54% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +15.40% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.19% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.54% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.05% | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
IDOG vs SPY Performance
ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year IDOG returned +29.19% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, IDOG is up 15.40% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, IDOG compounded at +21.54% per year against +21.44% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.05% and +13.18% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +6.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IDOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -46.9% for IDOG and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDOG charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDOG currently yields 4.54% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
IDOG and SPY share 0 holdings out of 553 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, IDOG or SPY?
IDOG has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDOG or SPY?
Over the past year IDOG returned +29.19% vs +21.53% for SPY, so IDOG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), IDOG annualized +6.39% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDOG or SPY?
IDOG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: IDOG -46.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both IDOG and SPY?
IDOG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDOG and SPY?
IDOG and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDOG or SPY?
IDOG yields 4.54% while SPY yields 1.01%, so IDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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