SDOG vs VYM
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SDOG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDOG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.49% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +22.87% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.12% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.87% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.02% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SDOG vs VYM Performance
ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDOG returned +29.12% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SDOG is up 22.87% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, SDOG compounded at +17.87% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.02% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SDOG has the edge at +9.48% annualized vs +7.11%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDOG charges 0.36% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $4 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDOG currently yields 3.49% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SDOG and VYM share 48 holdings out of 560 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDOG or VYM?
SDOG has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDOG or VYM?
Over the past year SDOG returned +29.12% vs +24.43% for VYM, so SDOG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SDOG annualized +9.48% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDOG or VYM?
SDOG has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SDOG -46.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SDOG and VYM?
SDOG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SDOG and VYM?
SDOG and VYM share 48 common holdings with a 17.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDOG or VYM?
SDOG yields 3.49% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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