SDOG vs SPY
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SDOG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDOG | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.33% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +23.22% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.18% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.90% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.50% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SDOG vs SPY Performance
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) 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 SDOG returned +29.18% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, SDOG is up 23.22% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, SDOG compounded at +18.90% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.50% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SDOG has the edge at +9.48% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -46.4% for SDOG 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDOG charges 0.36% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $9 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDOG currently yields 3.33% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SDOG and SPY share 46 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDOG or SPY?
SDOG has an expense ratio of 0.36% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDOG or SPY?
Over the past year SDOG returned +29.18% vs +20.83% for SPY, so SDOG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SDOG annualized +9.48% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDOG or SPY?
SDOG has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SDOG -46.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SDOG and SPY?
SDOG and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDOG and SPY?
SDOG and SPY share 46 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDOG or SPY?
SDOG yields 3.33% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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