SDOG vs. SPY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SDOG (ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and SPY (State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDOG is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S-Network 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, SDOG returned 9.96%/yr vs 15.53%/yr for SPY. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SDOG charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for SPY.

Performance

SDOG vs. SPY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) 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, SDOG achieves a 14.96% return, which is significantly higher than SPY's 8.15% return. Over the past 10 years, SDOG has underperformed SPY with an annualized return of 9.96%, while SPY has yielded a comparatively higher 15.53% annualized return.

SDOG

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 1.24%
• YTD: 14.96%
• 6M: 14.84%
• 1Y: 24.50%
• 3Y*: 16.57%
• 5Y*: 9.50%
• 10Y*: 9.96%

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)

SDOG vs. SPY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	14.96%	11.12%	14.70%	4.19%	-0.20%	24.59%	-0.35%	24.02%	-11.43%	12.65%
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 SDOG and SPY is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2012	0.76

Over the past year, the correlation between SDOG and SPY has dropped to 0.42 - well below their long-term average of 0.76, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SDOG vs. SPY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDOG	SPY
Consumer Cyclical	16.3%	9.9%
Technology	16.2%	39.0%
Financial Services	10.6%	11.1%
Healthcare	9.8%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	9.5%	4.5%
Utilities	9.2%	2.1%
Energy	9.1%	3.1%
Communication Services	8.4%	10.6%
Industrials	7.5%	7.8%
Basic Materials	3.5%	1.7%
Real Estate	-	1.8%

Return for Risk

SDOG vs. SPY — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDOG

SDOG Risk / Return Rank: 72
SDOG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
SDOG Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
SDOG Omega Ratio Rank: 65
SDOG Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
SDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

SDOG vs. SPY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) 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.

	SDOG	SPY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	1.90	+0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.18	2.58	+0.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.34	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.95	2.67	+1.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.53	11.92	+0.61

SDOG vs. SPY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the SPY Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDOG 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

SDOG vs. SPY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDOG drawdown since its inception was -43.56%, smaller than the maximum SPY drawdown of -55.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDOG and SPY.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDOG	SPY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.56%	-55.19%	+11.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-8.88%	+2.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.00%	-18.76%	+2.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.84%	-24.50%	+4.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.56%	-33.72%	-9.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.85%	-3.17%	+1.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.90%	-9.04%	+4.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	1.98%	-0.02%

Volatility

SDOG vs. SPY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) is 3.71%, while State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) has a volatility of 4.87%. This indicates that SDOG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDOG	SPY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.71%	4.87%	-1.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.18%	9.85%	-1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.60%	12.50%	-0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.37%	17.15%	-1.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.02%	17.95%	+1.07%

SDOG vs. SPY - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDOG has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than SPY's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDOG vs. SPY - Dividend Comparison

SDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.49%, more than SPY's 1.03% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	3.49%	3.68%	3.86%	4.29%	3.87%	3.62%	3.63%	3.37%	4.03%	3.27%	3.32%	3.61%
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 SDOG and SPY in my portfolio?

SDOG and SPY have a correlation of 0.42, 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 SPY?

SPY has higher volatility (4.87%) compared to SDOG (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDOG dropped -43.56% vs SPY's -55.19%.

Which ETF is better, SDOG or SPY?

On 10-year performance, SPY leads with 15.53% vs 9.96% for SDOG. On fees, SPY is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, SDOG has been the lower-risk option at 3.71%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDOG or SPY?

Over the 10-year period, SPY has performed better with a 15.53% return vs 9.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDOG or SPY?

SPY is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for SDOG.

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

SDOG has the higher dividend yield at 3.49%, compared with 1.03% for SPY.

What is the main difference between SDOG and SPY?

SDOG is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while SPY is S&P 500. SDOG tracks S-Network 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: 0.36% for SDOG and 0.09% for SPY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.12 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.