What distinguishes HDV and SPYD in terms of their expense ratios?

HDV has an expense ratio of 0.08%, while SPYD's expense ratio is slightly lower at 0.07%. The difference of 0.01 percentage points may seem small, but it can impact long-term investment returns by increasing the net yield over many years.

How do HDV and SPYD differ regarding dividend yields?

SPYD offers a higher dividend yield of 4.37%, compared to HDV's 2.99%. While HDV's yield is lower, it is a critical factor for income-focused investors, who may prefer the higher payout potential of SPYD.

Which ETF has a longer track record, HDV or SPYD?

HDV was launched in March 2011, giving it a longer track record of over 15 years, compared to SPYD's inception in October 2015. A longer history can provide more data for assessing performance consistency across different market cycles.

How do the top holdings of HDV and SPYD compare?

HDV's top holdings include large positions in XOM and CVX, reflecting its focus on energy and consumer staples. SPYD's holdings are more diversified, including HPQ, ACN, and TGT. Only CVX and VZ appear in both funds' top ten holdings.

What are the main sector focuses of HDV and SPYD?

Sector weights are not available for either fund. However, HDV's top holdings suggest a tilt towards energy and consumer staples, whereas SPYD's more diversified holdings imply exposure to technology and retail. This difference in concentration can affect sector-specific risks.

How do assets under management (AUM) compare between HDV and SPYD?

HDV boasts $15.6 billion in net assets, significantly higher than SPYD's $7.4 billion. Larger AUM can provide more stability and liquidity, which are favourable for trading, whereas smaller AUM might indicate a newer or less widely adopted fund.

Why is tracking important when comparing HDV and SPYD?

While specific indices tracked are not available for either fund, tracking differences highlight each fund's approach to replicating the target market's performance. This affects their strategy and potential return divergence relative to their intended benchmarks.

How do distribution methods vary between ETFs like HDV and SPYD?

Both HDV and SPYD distribute dividends periodically, impacting income-focused strategies. Investors receive payouts typically quarterly, aligning with fund-specific dividend policies and performance, influencing net returns beyond price appreciation.

What investment goals are HDV and SPYD best suited for?

HDV might be preferred for stable dividend growth and established fund performance, while SPYD suits income-focused investors prioritising higher yields. Neither fund is universally superior; choice depends on personal investment strategies and income needs.

What does index tracked mean for these ETFs?

Index tracked signifies the market segment or group of securities that the ETF aims to replicate. Although index details are not available for HDV and SPYD, understanding this helps in grasping their intended investment scope and strategies.

How does market capitalisation differ between HDV and SPYD?

HDV focuses on large-cap companies, reflected in its top holdings, while SPYD targets mid-cap firms. This means HDV may exhibit lower volatility compared to SPYD, whose mid-cap emphasis could lead to higher growth potential but also increased risk.

Are these funds suitable for income generation strategies?

Yes, both HDV and SPYD serve income generation, differing in approach. HDV provides a lower yet consistent yield, whereas SPYD offers higher immediate income. Investors should choose based on desired yield levels and risk tolerance. This information is for educational purposes only.

HDV vs SPYD

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

This page compares the Core High Dividend iShares (HDV) and the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD). Review the expense ratios, dividend yields, top holdings and how each fund tracks its target market. See how these large and mid-cap value ETFs differ in their approach to income generation and portfolio construction. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares the Core High Dividend iShares (HDV) and the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD). Review the expense ratios, dividend yields, top holdings and how each fund tracks its t...

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

HDV

Metric

SPYD

0.08%

Expense Ratio

0.07%

2.99%

Dividend Yield

4.37%

$15.56B

Net Assets

$7.38B

81

Holdings

81

Mar 29, 2011

Inception Date

Oct 21, 2015

–

Index Tracked

–

Large Value

Fund Category

Mid-Cap Value

SPYD costs about $1.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

Holding	HDV	SPYD
CVXChevron Corporation	6.96%	1.43%
VZVerizon Communications Inc.	5.87%	1.43%

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Investment Analysis

HDV

Pros

funds provide low expense ratio
high assets under management
long track record

Considerations

lower dividend yield
index tracked not available
sector weights not available

SPYD

Pros

lower expense ratio
high dividend yield
diverse top holdings

Considerations

recent inception date
less assets under management
index tracked not available

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About HDV and SPYD

HDV (HDV)

iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) is an exchange-traded fund that targets higher-yielding, primarily US large‑cap companies selected for dividend sustainability and financial strength. It offers investors a focused route to regular income through dividend distributions while still exposing them to equity market movements and potential capital growth. Compared with broad-market ETFs, HDV typically holds fewer holdings and may show sector or style concentration, which can amplify both returns and risks. Dividend levels depend on company payouts and can fall or stop entirely; past distributions do not guarantee future income. Fees, index rules and market conditions all influence outcomes. This information is general and educational, not personalised financial advice. Investors should consider their objectives, risk tolerance and seek professional advice where appropriate before investing.

SPYD (SPYD)

The SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF aims to track an index of U.S. companies within the S&P 500 that have relatively higher dividend yields. Designed for income-focused investors, it provides exposure to established companies often considered value-oriented. With a low expense ratio of 0.07%, this fund is cost-efficient for those seeking consistent income generation. It holds a diversified portfolio of approximately 81 securities, balancing risk across various sectors. Launched in October 2015, the fund has grown to net assets of $7.38 billion. Its current dividend yield is 4.37%, making it an attractive option for investors prioritising regular cash flow. However, as with any investment, capital values can fluctuate, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Suitable for long-term investors comfortable with equity risk.

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HDV vs SPYD

Fund Snapshot