SDOG vs. VMAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SDOG (ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and VMAX (Hartford US Value ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds. SDOG is passively managed, while VMAX is actively managed. Over the past year, SDOG returned 24.50% vs 29.63% for VMAX. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SDOG charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.29%/yr for VMAX.

Performance

SDOG vs. VMAX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with SDOG having a 14.96% return and VMAX slightly higher at 15.44%.

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%

VMAX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 3.05%
• YTD: 15.44%
• 6M: 14.38%
• 1Y: 29.63%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDOG vs. VMAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	14.96%	11.12%	14.70%	5.63%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	15.44%	15.65%	15.89%	5.71%

Correlation

The correlation between SDOG and VMAX is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2023	0.81

The correlation between SDOG and VMAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

SDOG vs. VMAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDOG	VMAX
Consumer Cyclical	16.3%	3.7%
Technology	16.2%	13.3%
Financial Services	10.6%	32.4%
Healthcare	9.8%	11.1%
Consumer Defensive	9.5%	3.7%
Utilities	9.2%	5.3%
Energy	9.1%	11.0%
Communication Services	8.4%	6.6%
Industrials	7.5%	5.5%
Basic Materials	3.5%	2.8%
Real Estate	-	4.4%

Return for Risk

SDOG vs. VMAX — 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

VMAX

VMAX Risk / Return Rank: 85
VMAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VMAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VMAX Omega Ratio Rank: 77
VMAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VMAX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. VMAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX). 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	VMAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	2.42	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.18	3.30	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.42	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.95	6.04	-2.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.53	21.18	-8.65

SDOG vs. VMAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the VMAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDOG and VMAX, 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. VMAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDOG drawdown since its inception was -43.56%, which is greater than VMAX's maximum drawdown of -19.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDOG and VMAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDOG	VMAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.56%	-19.05%	-24.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-4.93%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.00%	—	—
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	-1.85%	-0.39%	-1.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.90%	-2.52%	-2.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	1.40%	+0.56%

Volatility

SDOG vs. VMAX - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) has a higher volatility of 3.71% compared to Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) at 3.17%. This indicates that SDOG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VMAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDOG	VMAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.71%	3.17%	+0.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.18%	8.83%	-0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.60%	12.31%	-0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.37%	15.41%	-0.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.02%	15.41%	+3.61%

SDOG vs. VMAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDOG has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than VMAX's 0.29% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDOG vs. VMAX - Dividend Comparison

SDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.49%, more than VMAX's 1.85% 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%
VMAX Hartford US Value ETF	1.85%	2.14%	1.95%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDOG and VMAX in my portfolio?

SDOG and VMAX have a correlation of 0.75, 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 VMAX?

SDOG has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to VMAX (3.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDOG dropped -43.56% vs VMAX's -19.05%.

Which ETF is better, SDOG or VMAX?

On 1-year performance, VMAX leads with 29.63% vs 24.50% for SDOG. On fees, VMAX is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, VMAX has been the lower-risk option at 3.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDOG or VMAX?

Over the 1-year period, VMAX has performed better with a 29.63% return vs 24.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDOG or VMAX?

VMAX is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for SDOG.

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

SDOG has the higher dividend yield at 3.49%, compared with 1.85% for VMAX.

What is the main difference between SDOG and VMAX?

They also come from different issuers: SS&C and Hartford. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for SDOG and 0.29% for VMAX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VMAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.42 vs 2.12), 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.