NOBL vs SDY: Head-to-Head Comparison

Side-by-Side Comparison

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%).

Holdings Overlap Analysis

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.

Cost Comparison Over Time

If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):

Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $0 on a $10,000 investment. The cost difference is negligible — choose based on other factors.

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