SDOG vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SDOG (ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SDOG is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S-Network Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while XLC is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SDOG returned 9.08%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for XLC. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SDOG charges 0.36%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

SDOG vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDOG achieves a 17.13% return, which is significantly higher than XLC's -4.85% return.

SDOG

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: 5.43%
• YTD: 17.13%
• 6M: 16.28%
• 1Y: 27.16%
• 3Y*: 16.38%
• 5Y*: 9.08%
• 10Y*: 9.99%

XLC

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -4.66%
• YTD: -4.85%
• 6M: -3.59%
• 1Y: 10.19%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

SDOG vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	17.13%	11.12%	14.70%	4.19%	-0.20%	24.59%	-0.35%	24.02%	-11.64%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.85%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-16.45%

Correlation

The correlation between SDOG and XLC is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2018	0.54

The correlation between SDOG and XLC shifts across timeframes, from 0.40 (1 year) to 0.55 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SDOG vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDOG	XLC
Consumer Cyclical	16.3%	-
Technology	16.2%	4.7%
Financial Services	10.6%	-
Healthcare	9.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	9.5%	-
Utilities	9.2%	-
Energy	9.1%	-
Communication Services	8.4%	95.1%
Industrials	7.5%	-
Basic Materials	3.5%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

SDOG vs. XLC — 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: 86
SDOG Martin Ratio Rank: 80

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 20
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	0.69	+1.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.45	1.08	+2.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.12	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.25	0.86	+3.39
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.63	2.73	+10.90

SDOG vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDOG Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is higher than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDOG and XLC, 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. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDOG drawdown since its inception was -43.56%, smaller than the maximum XLC drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDOG and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDOG	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.56%	-46.65%	+3.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.24%	-10.57%	+4.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.00%	-17.97%	+1.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.84%	-46.65%	+26.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-6.72%	+6.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.91%	-10.58%	+5.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	3.33%	-1.39%

Volatility

SDOG vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) is 3.34%, while Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) has a volatility of 3.57%. This indicates that SDOG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDOG	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.34%	3.57%	-0.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.02%	9.65%	-1.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.52%	13.28%	-1.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.44%	20.68%	-5.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.06%	22.17%	-3.11%

SDOG vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDOG has a 0.36% expense ratio, which is higher than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDOG vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

SDOG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.26%, more than XLC's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SDOG ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF	3.26%	3.68%	3.86%	4.29%	3.87%	3.62%	3.63%	3.37%	4.03%	3.27%	3.32%	3.61%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.25%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDOG and XLC in my portfolio?

SDOG and XLC have a correlation of 0.40, 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 XLC?

XLC has higher volatility (3.57%) compared to SDOG (3.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDOG dropped -43.56% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, SDOG or XLC?

On 5-year performance, SDOG leads with 9.08% vs 8.03% for XLC. On fees, XLC is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, SDOG has been the lower-risk option at 3.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDOG or XLC?

Over the 5-year period, SDOG has performed better with a 9.08% return vs 8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDOG or XLC?

XLC is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.36% for SDOG.

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

SDOG has the higher dividend yield at 3.26%, compared with 1.25% for XLC.

What is the main difference between SDOG and XLC?

SDOG is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while XLC is Communications Equities. SDOG tracks S-Network Sector Dividend Dogs Index, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: SS&C and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.36% for SDOG and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDOG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 vs 0.69), 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.