SDOG vs VXUS
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SDOG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDOG | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.49% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.66% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.53% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.93% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.07% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SDOG vs VXUS Performance
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDOG returned +30.53% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SDOG is up 20.66% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SDOG compounded at +16.93% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +11.07% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SDOG has the edge at +9.35% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDOG charges 0.36% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $5 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDOG currently yields 3.49% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SDOG and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7911 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, SDOG or VXUS?
SDOG has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDOG or VXUS?
Over the past year SDOG returned +30.53% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so SDOG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SDOG annualized +9.35% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDOG or VXUS?
SDOG has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SDOG -46.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SDOG and VXUS?
SDOG and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDOG and VXUS?
SDOG and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7911 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDOG or VXUS?
SDOG yields 3.49% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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