SDOG vs. MDLV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SDOG (ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and MDLV (Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. SDOG is passively managed, while MDLV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, SDOG returned 16.65%/yr vs 12.68%/yr for MDLV. Their correlation of 0.86 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SDOG charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for MDLV.

Performance

SDOG vs. MDLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDOG achieves a 14.21% return, which is significantly higher than MDLV's 10.21% return.

SDOG

• 1D: -0.91%
• 1M: 3.56%
• YTD: 14.21%
• 6M: 15.85%
• 1Y: 24.70%
• 3Y*: 16.65%
• 5Y*: 8.48%
• 10Y*: 9.59%

MDLV

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 1.67%
• YTD: 10.21%
• 6M: 11.06%
• 1Y: 19.98%
• 3Y*: 12.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDOG vs. MDLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	14.21%	11.12%	14.70%	5.73%
MDLV Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF	10.21%	13.30%	10.16%	0.68%

Correlation

The correlation between SDOG and MDLV is 0.83, 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	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.86
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 27, 2023	0.86

The correlation between SDOG and MDLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.83 to 0.86 - a consistent structural relationship.

SDOG vs. MDLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDOG	MDLV
Consumer Cyclical	15.0%	3.9%
Technology	14.1%	9.3%
Financial Services	11.0%	14.9%
Energy	9.9%	14.4%
Consumer Defensive	9.8%	8.2%
Healthcare	9.7%	7.9%
Utilities	9.4%	15.2%
Communication Services	9.0%	6.4%
Industrials	8.0%	15.0%
Basic Materials	4.1%	2.6%
Real Estate	-	2.2%

Return for Risk

SDOG vs. MDLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDOG

SDOG Risk / Return Rank: 68
SDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
SDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
SDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
SDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 69

MDLV

MDLV Risk / Return Rank: 75
MDLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
MDLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
MDLV Omega Ratio Rank: 66
MDLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
MDLV Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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.

SDOG vs. MDLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV). 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.

	SDOG	MDLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.17	2.29	-0.12
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.26	3.35	-0.09
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.39	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.98	4.70	-0.72
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.78	14.78	-2.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SDOG vs. MDLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.17, which is comparable to the MDLV Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDOG and MDLV, 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

	SDOG	MDLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.17	2.29	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	1.06	-0.41

Drawdowns

SDOG vs. MDLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDOG drawdown since its inception was -43.56%, which is greater than MDLV's maximum drawdown of -10.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDOG and MDLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDOG	MDLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.56%	-10.71%	-32.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-4.27%	-1.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.00%	-10.71%	-5.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.84%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.91%	-1.08%	+0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.92%	-2.29%	-2.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	1.36%	+0.58%

Volatility

SDOG vs. MDLV - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) has a higher volatility of 3.02% compared to Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) at 2.77%. This indicates that SDOG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MDLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDOG	MDLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.02%	2.77%	+0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.93%	6.57%	+1.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.42%	8.76%	+2.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.42%	10.52%	+4.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.06%	10.52%	+8.54%

SDOG vs. MDLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDOG has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than MDLV's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDOG vs. MDLV - Dividend Comparison

SDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.35%, more than MDLV's 2.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MDLV Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF	2.80%	3.00%	2.78%	2.35%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	3.35%	3.68%	3.86%	4.29%	3.87%	3.62%	3.63%	3.37%	4.03%	3.27%	3.32%	3.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDOG and MDLV in my portfolio?

SDOG and MDLV have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDOG or MDLV?

SDOG has higher volatility (3.02%) compared to MDLV (2.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDOG dropped -43.56% vs MDLV's -10.71%.

Which ETF is better, SDOG or MDLV?

On 3-year performance, SDOG leads with 16.65% vs 12.68% for MDLV. On fees, SDOG is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, MDLV has been the lower-risk option at 2.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDOG or MDLV?

Over the 3-year period, SDOG has performed better with a 16.65% return vs 12.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDOG or MDLV?

SDOG is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for MDLV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDOG or MDLV?

SDOG has the higher dividend yield at 3.35%, compared with 2.80% for MDLV.

What is the main difference between SDOG and MDLV?

They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Morgan Dempsey. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for SDOG and 0.58% for MDLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MDLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 2.17), 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.