SPDV vs. VIG

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SPDV (AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) are both Dividend funds - SPDV tracks the S&P 500 Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield Index while VIG tracks the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SPDV returned 8.17%/yr vs 10.62%/yr for VIG. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPDV charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VIG.

Performance

SPDV vs. VIG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF (SPDV) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPDV achieves a 14.19% return, which is significantly higher than VIG's 7.57% return.

SPDV

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 3.73%
• YTD: 14.19%
• 6M: 14.91%
• 1Y: 27.39%
• 3Y*: 16.86%
• 5Y*: 8.17%
• 10Y*: —

VIG

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 3.79%
• YTD: 7.57%
• 6M: 6.99%
• 1Y: 19.63%
• 3Y*: 16.49%
• 5Y*: 10.62%
• 10Y*: 13.23%

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

SPDV vs. VIG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPDV AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF	14.19%	10.90%	14.40%	5.45%	-2.27%	29.54%	-6.09%	20.46%	-6.59%	3.65%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	7.57%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	-9.80%	23.76%	15.43%	29.62%	-2.08%	2.45%

Correlation

The correlation between SPDV and VIG is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2017	0.78

The correlation between SPDV and VIG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

SPDV vs. VIG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPDV	VIG
Consumer Cyclical	13.5%	4.7%
Energy	12.3%	3.5%
Technology	11.1%	26.2%
Healthcare	9.7%	16.5%
Financial Services	9.2%	20.6%
Consumer Defensive	9.1%	10.1%
Real Estate	8.7%	-
Industrials	7.8%	11.8%
Communication Services	7.8%	0.5%
Utilities	5.8%	3.2%
Basic Materials	5.1%	3.5%

Return for Risk

SPDV vs. VIG — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPDV

SPDV Risk / Return Rank: 73
SPDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
SPDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
SPDV Omega Ratio Rank: 65
SPDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
SPDV Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 56
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

SPDV vs. VIG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF (SPDV) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG). 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.

	SPDV	VIG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.26	1.97	+0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.35	2.88	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.35	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.74	2.49	+2.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.66	10.06	+3.60
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SPDV vs. VIG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.26, which is comparable to the VIG Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPDV and VIG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SPDV	VIG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.26	1.97	+0.29
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.75	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.60	-0.14

Drawdowns

SPDV vs. VIG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPDV drawdown since its inception was -43.81%, smaller than the maximum VIG drawdown of -46.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPDV and VIG.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPDV	VIG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.81%	-46.81%	+3.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.80%	-7.91%	+2.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.62%	-14.95%	-3.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.31%	-20.39%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-31.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.62%	-0.19%	-0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.57%	-5.51%	-1.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	1.96%	+0.05%

Volatility

SPDV vs. VIG - Volatility Comparison

AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF (SPDV) has a higher volatility of 2.76% compared to Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) at 2.19%. This indicates that SPDV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPDV	VIG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.76%	2.19%	+0.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.16%	7.57%	+0.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.18%	10.01%	+2.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.30%	14.23%	+2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.31%	16.05%	+4.26%

SPDV vs. VIG - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPDV has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is higher than VIG's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPDV vs. VIG - Dividend Comparison

SPDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.31%, more than VIG's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPDV AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF	3.31%	3.85%	3.54%	3.95%	3.73%	3.08%	3.90%	3.54%	3.63%	0.28%	0.00%	0.00%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPDV and VIG in my portfolio?

SPDV and VIG have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPDV or VIG?

SPDV has higher volatility (2.76%) compared to VIG (2.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPDV dropped -43.81% vs VIG's -46.81%.

Which ETF is better, SPDV or VIG?

On 5-year performance, VIG leads with 10.62% vs 8.17% for SPDV. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VIG has been the lower-risk option at 2.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPDV or VIG?

Over the 5-year period, VIG has performed better with a 10.62% return vs 8.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPDV or VIG?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.29% for SPDV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPDV or VIG?

SPDV has the higher dividend yield at 3.31%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.

What is the main difference between SPDV and VIG?

SPDV tracks S&P 500 Dividend and Free Cash Flow Yield Index, while VIG tracks S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index. They also come from different issuers: Advisors Asset Management and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for SPDV and 0.04% for VIG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.97), 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.