I
s it the right moment to add REITs to your portfolio? Falling rates could reignite interest in real‑estate investment trusts, making the sector worth a closer look. Not all real‑estate income ETFs are alike, so for newcomers or those returning, the ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (RDOG) stands out.

    RDOG charges a 35‑basis‑point expense ratio and tracks the S‑Network REIT Dividend Dogs Index. The index is equal‑weighted and selects the five highest‑yielding U.S. REITs in each of nine categories. Unlike many peers, RDOG omits mortgage REITs—avoiding those most sensitive to credit spreads—and adds technology REITs to capture potential upside.

    The strategy has performed strongly in recent months. According to ETF Database, RDOG returned 8.3% over the past month and 6.35% over the last three months, outperforming both its ETF Database Category (5%) and FactSet Segment (6.2%) averages. The fund’s yield is attractive as well: a trailing 12‑month yield of 6.18% as of September 12, and a quarterly distribution of $0.55810 as of June 25.

    Looking ahead, rate cuts could lift tech, benefiting the tech REITs RDOG holds. A sluggish economy might push investors toward dividend‑heavy, income‑generating assets, further supporting RDOG’s appeal. For alternatives, RDOG remains a compelling option.

    For additional insights, visit the ETF Building Blocks Content Hub.

    VettaFi LLC is the index provider for RDOG and receives a licensing fee. RDOG is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, or sold by VettaFi, which bears no responsibility for the fund’s issuance, administration, marketing, or trading.