SDOG vs VXUS
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, SDOG or VXUS?
Large Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SDOG led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDOG | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $1.4B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 51 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +17.07%Best | +14.94% |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +21.99%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.01% | +20.89%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.86%Best | +9.48% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -46.4% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,745Best | $15,728 |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 29, 2012 to Sep 22, 2026 (14.2 years).
SDOG vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 14.2 years both funds cover.
SDOG vs VXUS Performance
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) is an ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDOG returned +20.94% while VXUS returned +21.99%. Year to date, SDOG is up 17.07% versus a gain of 14.94% for VXUS.
Over three years, SDOG compounded at +18.01% per year against +20.89% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +10.86% and +9.48% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SDOG has the edge at +9.03% annualized vs +6.49%.
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 14.2% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 3.26% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 50 holdings in SDOG and 8,082 in VXUS, totalling 99.4% and 88.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in SDOG and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 51 and 8,747.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SDOG and VXUS you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $31 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SDOG or VXUS?
Over the past year SDOG returned +20.94% vs +21.99% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SDOG annualized +9.03% vs +6.49% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SDOG or VXUS?
SDOG has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.2% 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 their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDOG or VXUS?
SDOG yields 3.26% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so SDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than SDOG?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SDOG led over 5Y and the full window, VXUS over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.