AUSF vs. SDY

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AUSF (Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF) and SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds - AUSF tracks the Adaptive Wealth Strategies U.S. Factor Index while SDY tracks the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, AUSF returned 12.71%/yr vs 5.97%/yr for SDY. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. AUSF charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SDY.

Performance

AUSF vs. SDY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF (AUSF) and SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AUSF achieves a 6.72% return, which is significantly lower than SDY's 7.49% return.

AUSF

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 6.72%
• 6M: 7.67%
• 1Y: 15.11%
• 3Y*: 20.14%
• 5Y*: 12.71%
• 10Y*: —

SDY

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: 0.81%
• YTD: 7.49%
• 6M: 7.45%
• 1Y: 12.80%
• 3Y*: 9.83%
• 5Y*: 5.97%
• 10Y*: 9.29%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AUSF vs. SDY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AUSF Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF	6.72%	13.69%	16.05%	22.26%	-0.18%	27.48%	1.27%	24.06%	-10.79%
SDY SPDR S&P Dividend ETF	7.49%	8.18%	8.45%	2.61%	-0.54%	25.32%	1.71%	23.29%	-7.81%

Correlation

The correlation between AUSF and SDY is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2018	0.89

The correlation between AUSF and SDY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

AUSF vs. SDY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AUSF	SDY
Financial Services	18.7%	11.5%
Technology	13.5%	8.7%
Healthcare	12.0%	6.2%
Industrials	11.7%	17.5%
Communication Services	10.6%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	8.5%	17.1%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	5.2%
Energy	5.2%	4.6%
Real Estate	4.1%	4.6%
Utilities	4.0%	14.8%
Basic Materials	4.0%	6.4%

Return for Risk

AUSF vs. SDY — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AUSF

AUSF Risk / Return Rank: 44
AUSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
AUSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
AUSF Omega Ratio Rank: 39
AUSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
AUSF Martin Ratio Rank: 45

SDY

SDY Risk / Return Rank: 33
SDY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
SDY Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
SDY Omega Ratio Rank: 31
SDY Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
SDY Martin Ratio Rank: 31

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AUSF vs. SDY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF (AUSF) and SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	AUSF	SDY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.25	+0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	1.92	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.22	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	1.68	+0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.54	4.60	+2.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AUSF vs. SDY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AUSF Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the SDY Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AUSF and SDY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AUSF	SDY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	1.25	+0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94	0.43	+0.51
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.47	+0.18

Drawdowns

AUSF vs. SDY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AUSF drawdown since its inception was -44.25%, smaller than the maximum SDY drawdown of -54.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AUSF and SDY.

Drawdown Indicators

	AUSF	SDY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.25%	-54.75%	+10.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.84%	-7.67%	+1.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.29%	-14.39%	+2.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.23%	-15.21%	+0.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.70%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.26%	-4.07%	+1.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.22%	-6.21%	+1.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	2.79%	-0.78%

Volatility

AUSF vs. SDY - Volatility Comparison

Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF (AUSF) and SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) have volatilities of 2.41% and 2.47%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AUSF	SDY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.41%	2.47%	-0.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.65%	7.43%	-0.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.14%	10.33%	-0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.65%	14.03%	-0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.07%	17.08%	+1.99%

AUSF vs. SDY - Expense Ratio Comparison

AUSF has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than SDY's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

AUSF vs. SDY - Dividend Comparison

AUSF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.76%, more than SDY's 2.48% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AUSF Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF	2.76%	2.78%	2.63%	1.83%	2.51%	2.22%	2.95%	4.02%	1.46%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SDY SPDR S&P Dividend ETF	2.48%	2.61%	2.56%	2.64%	2.55%	2.63%	2.85%	2.45%	2.73%	4.69%	3.30%	6.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AUSF and SDY in my portfolio?

AUSF and SDY have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AUSF or SDY?

SDY has higher volatility (2.47%) compared to AUSF (2.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AUSF dropped -44.25% vs SDY's -54.75%.

Which ETF is better, AUSF or SDY?

On 5-year performance, AUSF leads with 12.71% vs 5.97% for SDY. On fees, AUSF is cheaper at 0.27% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AUSF or SDY?

Over the 5-year period, AUSF has performed better with a 12.71% return vs 5.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AUSF or SDY?

AUSF is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SDY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AUSF or SDY?

AUSF has the higher dividend yield at 2.76%, compared with 2.48% for SDY.

What is the main difference between AUSF and SDY?

AUSF tracks Adaptive Wealth Strategies U.S. Factor Index, while SDY tracks S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for AUSF and 0.35% for SDY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AUSF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.25), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.