Core Insights - The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) has significantly outperformed its domestic counterpart, the ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG), with a year-to-date gain of 33.4% compared to SDOG's 7.8% return [1] Group 1 - The performance of IDOG indicates that geographical investment choices can have a more substantial impact than the investment strategy itself [1] - The data is sourced from ETF Database, highlighting the comparative performance of these two funds [1]

Core Insights - The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) focuses on ex-U.S. dividend-paying equities, primarily in developed markets, with a significant emphasis on European nations [1][2]. Summary by Sections ETF Overview - IDOG has a total asset value of $394.22 million and employs a dividend yield strategy, heavily weighted towards European equities, with only four non-European countries making up less than 30% of the portfolio [2]. Dividend Contribution - Over the past 40 years, dividends have contributed nearly 39% to the annualized total return of MSCI Europe, compared to just under 22% for MSCI North America and just over 41% for MSCI Pacific [3]. Dividend Yield and Growth - IDOG's trailing 12-month dividend yield stands at 4.08%, significantly higher than many domestic-focused ETFs, reflecting Europe's historically higher dividend yields [4]. - Dividends from companies in the MSCI Europe index are projected to reach approximately EUR 440 billion in 2024, increasing to EUR 459 billion in 2025 (a 4% year-on-year growth), and forecasted to be around EUR 496 billion in 2026 (up 13% from 2024) [5]. Regional Dividend Dynamics - Dividend growth and yields vary across regions, with Japan being the largest non-European exposure in IDOG, showing promising dividend growth [6]. - Germany, as the largest economy in the eurozone and a significant component of IDOG, is expected to see dividends rise from around EUR 57 billion in 2024 to approximately EUR 63 billion in 2025, potentially reaching EUR 70 billion in 2026 [7].

Core Insights - International equities, particularly dividend payers, are outperforming U.S. stocks, with the ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) achieving a year-to-date gain of nearly 26% and reaching a 52-week high [1][2]. Performance Metrics - IDOG has outperformed the S&P 500 by nearly 2-to-1 since the beginning of the year, with only 10.57% of its allocation in technology stocks [2]. - French and Japanese stocks account for over 31% of IDOG's geographic exposure, contributing to its strong performance [3]. Market Dynamics - Many U.S. investors are under-allocated to international stocks, with only about 25% of their stock portfolios in this category, despite international stocks representing nearly 40% of global equity market capitalization [4][5]. - The declining U.S. dollar has positively impacted international stocks, enhancing returns for U.S. investors by increasing the value of foreign earnings when converted back to U.S. dollars [5][6]. Future Outlook - Experts suggest that international equities may have further upside potential, especially as U.S. investors may need to reassess their allocations towards international stocks [4][5]. - The current trend of U.S. dollar weakness is expected to continue, which could further benefit international equities [6].

Core Insights - International ETF investing has significantly boosted portfolios in 2025, with many strategies outperforming key domestic funds, providing diversification and returns [1][2] - The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) has returned 29.5% year-to-date (YTD), surpassing both its ETF Database Category average of 26.3% and FactSet Segment average of 21.6% as of September 17 [2] - IDOG charges a 50 basis point fee and tracks an equal-weighted index of the five highest dividend-yielding firms from each of the ten GICS sectors, avoiding concentration in traditional dividend-heavy sectors [1][2] Investment Trends - Investors are shifting towards neutral or overweight foreign equities after sixteen years of domestic U.S. equities outperformance, aided by a decline in the dollar [2] - There have been over $120 billion in net inflows into international ETF strategies, indicating a resurgence in international ETF interest [2] Future Outlook - IDOG is positioned as a solid option for durable international equities performance, appealing to those looking to diversify into this growing trend [3]

Core Viewpoint - The ALPS International Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (IDOG) is a smart beta ETF launched to provide broad exposure to the Foreign Large Value ETF category, with a focus on high-yield securities [1][5]. Fund Overview - IDOG was launched on June 28, 2013, and is designed to match the performance of the S-Network International Sector Dividend Dogs Index, which identifies five high-yield securities in each of the ten Global Industry Classification Standard sectors [1][5]. - The fund is sponsored by Alps and has accumulated over $355.3 million in assets, categorizing it as an average-sized ETF in its segment [5]. Cost Structure - IDOG has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.50%, which is competitive with most peer products in the Foreign Large Value ETF space [6]. - The fund's 12-month trailing dividend yield is reported at 4.19% [6]. Holdings and Sector Exposure - The fund's top holdings include Neste Oyj (2.41% of total assets), Singapore Telecommunications Ltd., and Enel Spa, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 22.48% of total assets [7][8]. - IDOG offers diversified exposure, minimizing single stock risk, and discloses its holdings daily [7]. Performance Metrics - Year-to-date, IDOG has increased by approximately 20.86%, and it has risen about 15.87% over the last 12 months as of July 21, 2025 [9]. - The fund has traded between $28.25 and $34.63 in the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.71 and a standard deviation of 15.74% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a medium risk profile [9][10]. Alternatives - IDOG may not be suitable for investors seeking to outperform the Foreign Large Value ETF segment, with alternatives such as the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) and Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) available [11][12]. - VYMI has $10.93 billion in assets and an expense ratio of 0.17%, while FNDF has $16.39 billion in assets with a 0.25% expense ratio [12].