NOBL vs SDY: Head-to-Head Comparison
NOBL vs SDY: ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SPDR S&P Dividend ETF charges 0.35%. NOBL holds 67 securities vs SDY's 130. 5-year returns: 9.50% vs 8.80%.
Last updated: April 2026
Dividend
Quick Verdict
SDY edges out NOBL with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9 vs 8.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NOBL | SDY |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.35% |
| AUM | $12.0B | $22.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.10% | 2.70% |
| Holdings | 67 | 130 |
| 1-Year Return | 16.50% | 15.50% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 9.50% | 8.80% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 10.00% | 9.50% |
| Beta | 0.85 | 0.82 |
| P/E Ratio | 21.5 | 18.8 |
NOBL 5-year annualized return is 9.50% compared to SDY's 8.80%. Over 10 years, NOBL returned 10.00% vs SDY's 9.50%.
View data table
| Period | NOBL Return | SDY Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.00% | 1.80% |
| 1 Year | 16.50% | 15.50% |
| 3 Year | 7.50% | 7.00% |
| 5 Year | 9.50% | 8.80% |
| 10 Year | 10.00% | 9.50% |
Key Differences Between NOBL and SDY
NOBL (ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF) is a dividend aristocrats fund managed by ProShares. NOBL exclusively holds S&P 500 companies that have raised their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years, known as Dividend Aristocrats. These elite companies have proven their ability to maintain and grow dividends through recessions and market crises. Beginners who value financial stability and consistent income will appreciate that NOBL holds only the most committed dividend growers in America.
SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) is a high dividend yield fund managed by State Street Global Advisors. SDY tracks companies from the S&P Composite 1500 that have increased dividends for at least 20 consecutive years, weighted by their indicated annual dividend yield. This unique approach tilts the portfolio toward the highest-yielding long-term dividend growers. Beginners who want higher current income from a proven group of dividend-raising companies will find SDY delivers both yield and reliability.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.35% vs 0.35%), number of holdings (67 vs 130), and 5-year returns (9.50% vs 8.80%).
NOBL vs SDY multi-factor comparison: NOBL has a 0.35% expense ratio, 9.50% 5-year return, 67 holdings, 0.85 beta, and 2.10% yield. SDY has 0.35% expense ratio, 8.80% 5-year return, 130 holdings, 0.82 beta, and 2.70% yield.
View data table
| Metric | NOBL | SDY |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.35% |
| 5-Year Return | 9.50% | 8.80% |
| Holdings | 67 | 130 |
| Beta | 0.85 | 0.82 |
| Dividend Yield | 2.10% | 2.70% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
NOBL and SDY share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
NOBL and SDY share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). NOBL has 67 total holdings and SDY has 130.
View data table
| Metric | NOBL | SDY |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 67 | 130 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
NOBL
Fee cost: $2,930
SDY
Fee cost: $2,930
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, NOBL (0.35% fee) grows to $43,680 while SDY (0.35% fee) grows to $43,680. The fee difference costs $0.
View data table
| Year | NOBL Value | SDY Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,457 | $14,457 |
| 10 | $20,900 | $20,900 |
| 15 | $30,214 | $30,214 |
| 20 | $43,680 | $43,680 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose NOBL if: You want income investors who want the most reliable and proven dividend growers, conservative equity investors seeking companies with recession-tested dividends, retirees who depend on growing dividend income to maintain purchasing power. It's managed by ProShares with an expense ratio of 0.35%.
Choose SDY if: You want income-focused investors who want higher current yield from proven dividend raisers, investors who prefer a yield-weighted approach over equal or market-cap weighting, those seeking broader dividend coverage beyond just s&p 500 aristocrats. It's managed by State Street Global Advisors with an expense ratio of 0.35%.
Can You Own Both NOBL and SDY?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, NOBL and SDY complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy NOBL or SDY?▾
SDY edges out NOBL with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9 vs 8.5). It offers better overall characteristics for new investors. However, both are solid options. NOBL is best for investors who want income investors who want the most reliable and proven dividend growers, while SDY is better suited for income-focused investors who want higher current yield from proven dividend raisers.
What is the difference between NOBL and SDY?▾
NOBL (ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF) tracks dividend aristocrats investments with 67 holdings and a 0.35% expense ratio. SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) focuses on high dividend yield with 130 holdings at 0.35%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both NOBL and SDY?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, NOBL and SDY complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.