DVY vs. SDY

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

DVY (iShares Select Dividend ETF) and SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DVY is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend Index, while SDY is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DVY returned 10.37%/yr vs 9.52%/yr for SDY. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DVY charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SDY.

Performance

DVY vs. SDY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY) 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, DVY achieves a 12.08% return, which is significantly higher than SDY's 9.47% return. Over the past 10 years, DVY has outperformed SDY with an annualized return of 10.37%, while SDY has yielded a comparatively lower 9.52% annualized return.

DVY

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 2.82%
• YTD: 12.08%
• 6M: 10.68%
• 1Y: 23.18%
• 3Y*: 15.71%
• 5Y*: 9.05%
• 10Y*: 10.37%

SDY

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 2.36%
• YTD: 9.47%
• 6M: 8.54%
• 1Y: 14.41%
• 3Y*: 10.29%
• 5Y*: 6.39%
• 10Y*: 9.52%

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

DVY vs. SDY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DVY iShares Select Dividend ETF	12.08%	11.60%	16.24%	1.12%	1.80%	31.70%	-4.91%	22.62%	-6.36%	14.82%
SDY SPDR S&P Dividend ETF	9.47%	8.18%	8.45%	2.61%	-0.54%	25.32%	1.71%	23.29%	-2.74%	15.82%

Correlation

The correlation between DVY and SDY is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 15, 2005	0.94

The correlation between DVY and SDY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

DVY vs. SDY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DVY	SDY
Financial Services	24.9%	11.5%
Utilities	24.2%	14.8%
Consumer Defensive	13.5%	17.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.4%	5.2%
Energy	9.1%	4.6%
Communication Services	6.0%	3.5%
Healthcare	5.0%	6.2%
Technology	3.4%	8.7%
Basic Materials	2.3%	6.4%
Industrials	2.1%	17.5%
Real Estate	-	4.6%

Return for Risk

DVY vs. SDY — Risk / Return Rank

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

DVY

DVY Risk / Return Rank: 78
DVY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DVY Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
DVY Omega Ratio Rank: 74
DVY Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
DVY Martin Ratio Rank: 76

SDY

SDY Risk / Return Rank: 46
SDY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
SDY Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SDY Omega Ratio Rank: 45
SDY Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
SDY Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

DVY vs. SDY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY) 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DVY	SDY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	1.39	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.06	2.14	+0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.24	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.38	1.89	+1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.90	5.11	+6.79

DVY vs. SDY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DVY Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is higher than the SDY Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DVY 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.

Drawdowns

DVY vs. SDY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVY drawdown since its inception was -62.59%, which is greater than SDY's maximum drawdown of -54.75%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVY and SDY.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVY	SDY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.59%	-54.75%	-7.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.89%	-7.67%	+0.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.00%	-14.39%	-1.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.54%	-15.21%	-2.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.59%	-36.70%	-4.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.31%	+2.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.78%	-6.20%	-2.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.95%	2.83%	-0.88%

Volatility

DVY vs. SDY - Volatility Comparison

iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY) and SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) have volatilities of 2.82% and 2.90%, 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

	DVY	SDY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.82%	2.90%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.58%	7.51%	+0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.11%	10.41%	+0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.21%	14.05%	+1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.01%	17.09%	+0.92%

DVY vs. SDY - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVY has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than SDY's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVY vs. SDY - Dividend Comparison

DVY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.34%, more than SDY's 2.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DVY iShares Select Dividend ETF	3.34%	3.65%	3.65%	3.82%	3.43%	3.12%	3.66%	3.41%	3.58%	3.00%	3.04%	3.45%
SDY SPDR S&P Dividend ETF	2.44%	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 DVY and SDY in my portfolio?

DVY and SDY have a correlation of 0.88, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DVY or SDY?

SDY has higher volatility (2.90%) compared to DVY (2.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DVY dropped -62.59% vs SDY's -54.75%.

Which ETF is better, DVY or SDY?

On 10-year performance, DVY leads with 10.37% vs 9.52% for SDY. On fees, SDY is cheaper at 0.35% 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, DVY or SDY?

Over the 10-year period, DVY has performed better with a 10.37% return vs 9.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVY or SDY?

SDY is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for DVY.

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

DVY has the higher dividend yield at 3.34%, compared with 2.44% for SDY.

What is the main difference between DVY and SDY?

DVY is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while SDY is Mid Cap Value Equities. DVY tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend Index, while SDY tracks S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for DVY and 0.35% for SDY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DVY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.39), 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.