IDOG vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IDOG (ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IDOG is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while SPY is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IDOG returned 11.26%/yr vs 15.53%/yr for SPY. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IDOG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

IDOG vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IDOG achieves a 10.07% return, which is significantly higher than SPY's 8.15% return. Over the past 10 years, IDOG has underperformed SPY with an annualized return of 11.26%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively higher 15.53% annualized return.

IDOG

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -3.26%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 10.27%
• 1Y: 30.43%
• 3Y*: 20.17%
• 5Y*: 12.88%
• 10Y*: 11.26%

SPY

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: -1.36%
• YTD: 8.15%
• 6M: 7.20%
• 1Y: 23.59%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: 13.05%
• 10Y*: 15.53%

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

IDOG vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	10.07%	39.94%	1.35%	23.57%	-4.50%	11.33%	-1.78%	21.93%	-13.47%	25.61%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	8.15%	17.72%	24.89%	26.18%	-18.18%	28.73%	18.33%	31.22%	-4.57%	21.71%

Correlation

The correlation between IDOG and SPY is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 28, 2013	0.69

The correlation between IDOG and SPY shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (1 year) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IDOG vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDOG	SPY
Industrials	12.2%	7.8%
Financial Services	11.3%	11.1%
Basic Materials	10.2%	1.7%
Energy	10.1%	3.1%
Communication Services	9.8%	10.6%
Consumer Cyclical	9.6%	9.9%
Utilities	9.6%	2.1%
Consumer Defensive	9.1%	4.5%
Technology	9.1%	39.0%
Healthcare	8.9%	8.3%
Real Estate	-	1.8%

Return for Risk

IDOG vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDOG

IDOG Risk / Return Rank: 76
IDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
IDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
IDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 67
IDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
IDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 83

SPY

SPY Risk / Return Rank: 59
SPY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
SPY Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Omega Ratio Rank: 57
SPY Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
SPY Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

IDOG vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY). 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.

	IDOG	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	1.90	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	2.58	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.34	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.72	2.67	+2.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.97	11.92	+4.05

IDOG vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is comparable to the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDOG and SPY, 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

IDOG vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDOG drawdown since its inception was -37.32%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDOG and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDOG	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.32%	-55.19%	+17.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-8.88%	+2.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.92%	-18.76%	+4.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.31%	-24.50%	-0.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.32%	-33.72%	-3.60%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.45%	-3.17%	-1.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.90%	-9.04%	+1.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.91%	1.98%	-0.07%

Volatility

IDOG vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) have volatilities of 4.87% and 4.87%, 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

	IDOG	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.87%	4.87%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.94%	9.85%	+1.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.89%	12.50%	+1.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.69%	17.15%	-1.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.18%	17.95%	-0.77%

IDOG vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDOG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDOG vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

IDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.47%, more than SPY's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IDOG ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	4.47%	4.26%	4.90%	4.86%	4.46%	3.85%	3.00%	5.41%	4.50%	3.33%	4.01%	4.19%
SPY State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF	1.03%	1.07%	1.21%	1.40%	1.65%	1.20%	1.52%	1.75%	2.04%	1.80%	2.03%	2.06%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDOG and SPY in my portfolio?

IDOG and SPY have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDOG or SPY?

SPY has higher volatility (4.87%) compared to IDOG (4.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDOG dropped -37.32% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, IDOG or SPY?

On 10-year performance, SPY leads with 15.53% vs 11.26% for IDOG. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% 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, IDOG or SPY?

Over the 10-year period, SPY has performed better with a 15.53% return vs 11.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDOG or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for IDOG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IDOG or SPY?

IDOG has the higher dividend yield at 4.47%, compared with 1.03% for SPY.

What is the main difference between IDOG and SPY?

IDOG is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SPY is S&P 500. IDOG tracks S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while SPY tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IDOG and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.90), 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.