HDV vs VYM: ETF Comparison
Compare HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) side by side by average annual total return since inception — one fair number covering price and dividends.
Updated Sep 15, 2026
*For entertainment purposes ONLY! NOT financial advice! Data may be inaccurate.*
HDV vs VYM: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, HDV edges out VYM: +10.9% per year vs +9.3% per year — a gap of 1.6 percentage points annually. Total return counts both price movement and dividends, so this is the whole picture of each fund's performance, not just yield.
Keep the track records in mind: VYM has been trading for 19.8 years, while HDV has only 15.5 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.
HDV vs VYM Side-by-Side Data
| Symbol | Name | Provider | Inception | Age | Total Return | Avg. Annual Return | Yield | Expense Ratio | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDV | iShares Core High Dividend ETF | iShares | 3/29/2011 | 15.5y | +396.0% | +10.9% | 3.3% | 0.08% | B |
| VYM | Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | Vanguard | 11/10/2006 | 19.8y | +485.0% | +9.3% | 2.5% | 0.04% | A |
HDV vs VYM — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, HDV or VYM?
By average annual total return since inception, HDV edges out VYM (+10.9% vs +9.3% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between HDV and VYM?
HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) is offered by iShares and currently yields 3.3%. VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) is offered by Vanguard and yields 2.5%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +10.9% and +9.3% respectively.
Does HDV pay a higher dividend than VYM?
HDV currently yields 3.3% and VYM yields 2.5%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.