The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) offers a unique investment approach, but is it the right choice for you?

Smart beta ETFs like IDOG are different from traditional funds. They don’t just follow market cap; they look for stocks that might perform better based on certain criteria. This can be a great way to potentially beat the market if you pick the right stocks.
IDOG is managed by Alps and has around $273 million in assets. It tracks the S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index, which is rebalanced every quarter. The fund has an expense ratio of 0.50%, which is pretty standard for this type of ETF, and it offers a decent dividend yield of 4.91%.
When you look at its holdings, Honda Motor Co. is a significant player, making up about 2.33% of the fund. The top ten stocks represent around 20.75% of IDOG’s total assets.
In terms of performance, IDOG has seen a slight dip this year, down about 0.14%, but it’s up around 2.08% over the past year. It’s considered a medium-risk option, with a beta of 0.82, which means it’s less volatile than the market.
If you’re thinking about alternatives, there are other ETFs like the Vanguard Total International Stock ETF and the Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF that might be worth a look. They have lower expense ratios and larger asset bases, making them appealing options for investors.
In the end, whether IDOG is right for you depends on your investment goals. It’s always a good idea to do your research and see what fits your strategy best.