KNG vs SDY: ETF Comparison
Compare KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) and SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) side by side by average annual total return since inception — one fair number covering price and dividends.
Updated Aug 4, 2026
*For entertainment purposes ONLY! NOT financial advice! Data may be inaccurate.*
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KNG vs SDY: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, KNG is virtually tied with SDY — +9.1% vs +9.0%. With a gap this small, the deciding factors are more likely to be yield, payout schedule, and how each strategy fits your goals than raw performance.
Keep the track records in mind: SDY has been trading for 20.7 years, while KNG has only 8.4 years of history. A shorter track record means the younger fund's average has been shaped by fewer market environments — one strong or weak stretch moves the needle more.
Income investors will notice the yield gap: KNG currently yields 8% vs SDY's 2.6%. Higher yield often comes with trade-offs in price appreciation, which is exactly why total return is the fairer scoreboard.
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KNG vs SDY Side-by-Side Data
| Symbol | Name | Provider | Inception | Age | Total Return | Avg. Annual Return | Yield | Expense Ratio | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KNG | FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF | First Trust | 3/26/2018 | 8.4y | +107.0% | +9.1% | 8% | 0.74% | B |
| SDY | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | State Street | 11/8/2005 | 20.7y | +497.0% | +9.0% | 2.6% | 0.35% | A |
KNG vs SDY — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, KNG or SDY?
By average annual total return since inception, KNG is virtually tied with SDY (+9.1% vs +9.0% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between KNG and SDY?
KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) is offered by First Trust and currently yields 8%. SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) is offered by State Street and yields 2.6%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +9.1% and +9.0% respectively.
Does KNG pay a higher dividend than SDY?
KNG currently yields 8% and SDY yields 2.6%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.