DVY vs SDY: ETF Comparison
Compare DVY (iShares Select Dividend ETF) and SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) side by side by average annual total return since inception — one fair number covering price and dividends.
Updated Sep 15, 2026
*For entertainment purposes ONLY! NOT financial advice! Data may be inaccurate.*
DVY vs SDY: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, DVY is virtually tied with SDY — +9.0% vs +8.9%. With a gap this small, the deciding factors are more likely to be yield, payout schedule, and how each strategy fits your goals than raw performance.
DVY vs SDY Side-by-Side Data
| Symbol | Name | Provider | Inception | Age | Total Return | Avg. Annual Return | Yield | Expense Ratio | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DVY | iShares Select Dividend ETF | iShares | 11/3/2003 | 22.9y | +622.0% | +9.0% | 3.3% | 0.38% | B |
| SDY | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | State Street | 11/8/2005 | 20.9y | +492.0% | +8.9% | 2.6% | 0.35% | A |
DVY vs SDY — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, DVY or SDY?
By average annual total return since inception, DVY is virtually tied with SDY (+9.0% vs +8.9% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between DVY and SDY?
DVY (iShares Select Dividend ETF) is offered by iShares and currently yields 3.3%. SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) is offered by State Street and yields 2.6%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +9.0% and +8.9% respectively.
Does DVY pay a higher dividend than SDY?
DVY currently yields 3.3% and SDY yields 2.6%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.