SDOG vs. RFDA

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

SDOG (ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDOG is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S-Network Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while RFDA is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by SS&C. SDOG is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, SDOG returned 9.51%/yr vs 13.49%/yr for RFDA. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SDOG charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

SDOG vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDOG achieves a 18.72% return, which is significantly higher than RFDA's 13.64% return. Over the past 10 years, SDOG has underperformed RFDA with an annualized return of 9.51%, while RFDA has yielded a comparatively higher 13.49% annualized return.

SDOG

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: 1.36%
• 6M: 15.12%
• YTD: 18.72%
• 1Y: 24.08%
• 3Y*: 16.22%
• 5Y*: 10.43%
• 10Y*: 9.51%

RFDA

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 1.43%
• 6M: 12.80%
• YTD: 13.64%
• 1Y: 24.28%
• 3Y*: 18.25%
• 5Y*: 12.84%
• 10Y*: 13.49%

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

SDOG vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	18.72%	11.12%	14.70%	4.19%	-0.20%	24.59%	-0.35%	24.02%	-11.43%	12.65%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	13.64%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	19.86%

Correlation

The correlation between SDOG and RFDA is 0.56, 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	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 7, 2016	0.75

The correlation between SDOG and RFDA shifts across timeframes, from 0.56 (1 year) to 0.76 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SDOG vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDOG	RFDA
Consumer Cyclical	16.3%	7.4%
Technology	16.2%	21.1%
Financial Services	10.6%	14.4%
Healthcare	9.8%	9.7%
Consumer Defensive	9.5%	7.0%
Utilities	9.2%	4.8%
Energy	9.1%	11.7%
Communication Services	8.4%	8.3%
Industrials	7.5%	8.6%
Basic Materials	3.5%	1.9%
Real Estate	-	4.9%

Return for Risk

SDOG vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDOG

SDOG Risk / Return Rank: 83
SDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
SDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
SDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 78
SDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
SDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 81

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 86
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 83
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). 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.

	SDOG	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	2.11	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.14	2.91	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.39	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.88	4.48	-0.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.44	15.88	-3.44

SDOG vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDOG and RFDA, 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

SDOG vs. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDOG drawdown since its inception was -43.56%, which is greater than RFDA's maximum drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDOG and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDOG	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.56%	-34.60%	-8.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-5.45%	-0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.00%	-19.35%	+3.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.84%	-19.35%	-0.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.56%	-34.60%	-8.96%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.89%	-3.72%	-1.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	1.53%	+0.41%

Volatility

SDOG vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) has a higher volatility of 3.94% compared to RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) at 2.41%. This indicates that SDOG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFDA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDOG	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.94%	2.41%	+1.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.12%	8.76%	-0.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.55%	11.59%	-0.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.36%	15.74%	-0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.96%	16.84%	+2.12%

SDOG vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDOG has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is lower than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDOG vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

SDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.38%, more than RFDA's 1.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.76%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%	0.00%
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	3.38%	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 RFDA in my portfolio?

SDOG and RFDA have a correlation of 0.56, 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 RFDA?

SDOG has higher volatility (3.94%) compared to RFDA (2.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDOG dropped -43.56% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, SDOG or RFDA?

On 10-year performance, RFDA leads with 13.49% vs 9.51% for SDOG. On fees, SDOG is cheaper at 0.36% per year. On volatility, RFDA has been the lower-risk option at 2.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDOG or RFDA?

Over the 10-year period, RFDA has performed better with a 13.49% return vs 9.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDOG or RFDA?

SDOG is cheaper with a 0.36% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

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

SDOG has the higher dividend yield at 3.38%, compared with 1.76% for RFDA.

What is the main difference between SDOG and RFDA?

SDOG is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while RFDA is Large Cap Growth Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for SDOG and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 2.10), 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.