SDY ETF — SPDR S&P Dividend ETF

SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY)

SDY is an ETF that tracks the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index. As of August 19, 2026, its distribution rate is 2.46%, its trailing-12-month yield is 2.37%, its expense ratio is 0.35%. Dividend Vision Distribution Safety Score™ is 95/100 (Safe). Fund total return is 510.8% over the past 20.8 years, 300.9 points behind SPY at 811.7%.

At the current 2.46% distribution rate, a $10,000 investment would generate approximately $246 per year, or $20.50 per month on an equivalent basis. Actual quarterly payments vary.

SPDR S&P Dividend ETF is an equity fund that tracks the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index, holding the highest-yielding large- and mid-cap stocks from the S&P Composite 1500 that have increased their dividends every year for at least 20 consecutive years. The fund offers a modest current distribution rate paid quarterly, with a low expense ratio of 0.35%. It appeals to income-focused investors seeking exposure to established dividend-paying companies with a demonstrated commitment to dividend growth.

SDY performance versus SPY

Data as of August 19, 2026.

Fund total return is 510.8% over the past 20.8 years, 300.9 points behind SPY at 811.7%. Its deepest 1-year drawdown was 7.7%.

SDY key facts

Data as of August 19, 2026.

Distribution Safety Score™

95 · Safe

Safety-Adjusted Yield

2.34%

Issuer

State Street

Asset type

ETF

Asset class

Equity

Inception date

11/08/2005

Expense ratio

0.35%

Distribution rate

2.46%

Distribution frequency

Quarterly

Trailing yield

2.37%

Last close

$157.66

AUM

$22,153,301,970

Average volume

205048.0

Last dividend

$0.9680

Ex-dividend date

06/22/2026

Payment date

06/24/2026

Beta

0.57

P/E ratio

20.7195

How Dividend Vision calculates yield and returns

Distribution rate (2.46%) is the latest regular payout annualized by the fund's stated frequency, divided by the last close. Issuers often publish this as “Distribution Rate” on the fact sheet. Trailing-12-month yield (2.37%) is the sum of distributions paid in the last 12 months, split-adjusted, divided by the last close. It lags a recent raise or cut. We show a 30-day SEC yield when the fund publishes one. Schwab and other issuers may report a TTM distribution yield or SEC yield on a different date — all can be valid; they are not interchangeable. Fund total return uses split-adjusted close with distributions reinvested from the first stored bar on or after inception through the latest bar, compared with the same window on the benchmark. That is what the fund did, not your personal gain/loss. Figures below use Dividend Vision data as of August 19, 2026.

Distribution rate methodology · Distribution Safety Score methodology · SEC yield

Sources and review

Data as of August 19, 2026.

Primary sources: State Street fund page; Index: S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index; prices and distributions from Dividend Vision, derived from vendor EOD data.

Reviewed by Bert Sweet, CEO and Co-owner of Dividend Vision. Methodology: Distribution Safety Score.

SDY risks and drawbacks

SDY's current distribution rate is moderate, not a high-yield payout — the strategy is dividend quality more than maximum income. Payments are quarterly, so cash flow is lumpy versus a monthly fund. Total return has trailed SPY over the available window. The deepest 1-year drawdown on record here is 7.7%.

Who may consider SDY — and who may not

SDY may suit someone looking for a high Distribution Safety Score, moderate current income with a quality tilt. It is a weaker fit for investors who need monthly cash flow (SDY pays quarterly); investors hunting double-digit covered-call yields; investors whose main goal is matching SPY total return. This is educational context, not a recommendation to buy or sell.

Compare SDY

SDY vs similar funds:

• SDY vs VIG
• SDY vs SCHD
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Frequently asked questions

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