ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF

SDOG

Market cap $1.25B

High-yielding stocks get a lot of attention. But a lot of them have underperformed over the long run. Which are better? High yielders or dividend growth stocks?

Sometimes where you invest matters more than how you invest, and two dividend dogs funds from ALPS highlight the trend. The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) gained 33.4% year-to-date through November 2, far outpacing the 7.8% return from its domestic twin, the ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG), according to ETF Database data.

TMX VettaFi is rapidly establishing itself as a key index partner, leveraging a strategy of product expansion and strategic acquisitions.

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF is a passively managed ETF with a simple, high dividend yield-oriented strategy. As of writing, its DY stands at 3.8%. But high yield does little to bolster total returns: SDOG has underperformed both IVV and SCHD since inception, and meaningfully. While its low beta secured better performance amid the April sell-off, its YTD total return is still negative while the market is confidently in the green.

On this episode of the “ETF of the Week” podcast, VettaFi's Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) with Chuck Jaffe of Money Life. The pair discussed several topics related to the fund to give investors a deeper understanding of the ETF overall.

VettaFi's Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth discussed the ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) on this week's “ETF of the Week” podcast with Chuck Jaffe of “Money Life.” VettaFi.com is owned by VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”).

Fears of an impending recession may be fading, but economists are still expecting tepid GDP growth for the year. The rhetorical tariff tug-of-war isn't helping sentiment or certainty.

In today's market, building globally diversified portfolios requires more than just “set it and forget it“ investing with broad international indexes. The 2025 environment, shaped by volatility, shifting economic cycles, and divergent global policies, calls for a more deliberate and methodical approach, especially outside the U.S.

ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF holds the five stocks with the highest yields in each sector of a large cap universe, excluding real estate. SDOG has an equal-weight methodology and value characteristics. SDOG has lagged the five largest equity dividend ETFs over the last 10 years, with higher volatility and deeper drawdowns.

As investors weigh the impact of a shifting global economic backdrop and continued volatility in U.S. markets, attention is turning overseas. One fund that has emerged as a notable player in this space is the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG).