SDY vs. DIV

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) and DIV (Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF) are both Mid Cap Value Equities funds - SDY tracks the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index while DIV tracks the Indxx SuperDividend® U.S. Low Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SDY returned 9.52%/yr vs 4.23%/yr for DIV. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SDY charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for DIV.

Performance

SDY vs. DIV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) and Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDY achieves a 9.47% return, which is significantly lower than DIV's 13.71% return. Over the past 10 years, SDY has outperformed DIV with an annualized return of 9.52%, while DIV has yielded a comparatively lower 4.23% annualized return.

SDY

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 2.36%
• YTD: 9.47%
• 6M: 8.54%
• 1Y: 14.41%
• 3Y*: 10.29%
• 5Y*: 6.39%
• 10Y*: 9.52%

DIV

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: -0.17%
• YTD: 13.71%
• 6M: 12.70%
• 1Y: 15.27%
• 3Y*: 11.83%
• 5Y*: 5.17%
• 10Y*: 4.23%

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

SDY vs. DIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDY SPDR S&P Dividend ETF	9.47%	8.18%	8.45%	2.61%	-0.54%	25.32%	1.71%	23.29%	-2.74%	15.82%
DIV Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF	13.71%	3.10%	11.27%	-1.73%	-3.92%	30.60%	-22.85%	14.50%	-6.60%	9.90%

Correlation

The correlation between SDY and DIV 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.86
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 12, 2013	0.82

The correlation between SDY and DIV shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (1 year) to 0.86 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SDY vs. DIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDY	DIV
Industrials	17.5%	11.5%
Consumer Defensive	17.1%	13.4%
Utilities	14.8%	12.0%
Financial Services	11.5%	3.9%
Technology	8.7%	-
Basic Materials	6.4%	4.6%
Healthcare	6.2%	3.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.2%	3.5%
Real Estate	4.6%	19.8%
Energy	4.6%	21.5%
Communication Services	3.5%	6.3%

Return for Risk

SDY vs. DIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDY

SDY Risk / Return Rank: 46
SDY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
SDY Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
SDY Omega Ratio Rank: 45
SDY Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
SDY Martin Ratio Rank: 38

DIV

DIV Risk / Return Rank: 56
DIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
DIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
DIV Omega Ratio Rank: 47
DIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
DIV Martin Ratio Rank: 55

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.

SDY vs. DIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) and Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV). 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.

	SDY	DIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	1.49	-0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	2.14	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.25	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	2.93	-1.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.11	8.13	-3.02

SDY vs. DIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDY Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is comparable to the DIV Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDY and DIV, 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

SDY vs. DIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDY drawdown since its inception was -54.75%, roughly equal to the maximum DIV drawdown of -52.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDY and DIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDY	DIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.75%	-52.74%	-2.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.67%	-5.23%	-2.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.39%	-12.33%	-2.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.21%	-21.14%	+5.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.70%	-52.74%	+16.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.31%	-1.40%	-0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.20%	-7.02%	+0.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	1.88%	+0.95%

Volatility

SDY vs. DIV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) is 2.90%, while Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV) has a volatility of 3.15%. This indicates that SDY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDY	DIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.90%	3.15%	-0.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.51%	7.07%	+0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.41%	10.31%	+0.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.05%	13.69%	+0.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.09%	17.98%	-0.89%

SDY vs. DIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDY has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than DIV's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDY vs. DIV - Dividend Comparison

SDY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.44%, less than DIV's 6.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIV Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF	6.65%	7.30%	5.74%	7.13%	6.62%	5.24%	8.01%	7.65%	7.08%	5.92%	6.78%	8.44%
SDY SPDR S&P Dividend ETF	2.44%	2.61%	2.56%	2.64%	2.55%	2.63%	2.85%	2.45%	2.73%	4.69%	3.30%	6.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDY and DIV in my portfolio?

SDY and DIV 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, SDY or DIV?

DIV has higher volatility (3.15%) compared to SDY (2.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDY dropped -54.75% vs DIV's -52.74%.

Which ETF is better, SDY or DIV?

On 10-year performance, SDY leads with 9.52% vs 4.23% for DIV. On fees, SDY is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SDY has been the lower-risk option at 2.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDY or DIV?

Over the 10-year period, SDY has performed better with a 9.52% return vs 4.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDY or DIV?

SDY is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for DIV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SDY or DIV?

DIV has the higher dividend yield at 6.65%, compared with 2.44% for SDY.

What is the main difference between SDY and DIV?

SDY tracks S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index, while DIV tracks Indxx SuperDividend® U.S. Low Volatility Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for SDY and 0.45% for DIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.39), 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.