HDV vs SPY
HDV vs SPY
iShares Core High Dividend ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
HDV has a lower expense ratio. HDV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HDV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $14.7B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.90% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.34% | +13.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.90% | +22.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.65% | +20.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.06% | +13.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 29, 2011 | Jan 22, 1993 |
HDV vs SPY Performance
iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year HDV returned +24.90% while SPY returned +22.80%. Year to date, HDV is up 19.34% versus a gain of 13.10% for SPY.
Over three years, HDV compounded at +15.65% per year against +20.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.06% and +13.20% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.83% annualized vs +8.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.1% for HDV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -37.0% for HDV and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HDV charges 0.08% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $9 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HDV currently yields 2.90% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
HDV and SPY share 54 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HDV | Weight in SPY | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XOM | 7.17% | 0.87% | 6.30% |
| ABBV | 6.49% | 0.69% | 5.80% |
| CVX | 5.43% | 0.49% | 4.94% |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PFE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings HDV shares with SPY Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HDV or SPY?
HDV has an expense ratio of 0.08% while SPY charges 0.09%. HDV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HDV or SPY?
Over the past year HDV returned +24.90% vs +22.80% for SPY, so HDV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), HDV annualized +8.40% vs +8.83% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HDV or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.1% for HDV. Worst drawdown: HDV -37.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both HDV and SPY?
HDV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HDV and SPY?
HDV and SPY share 54 common holdings with a 9.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HDV or SPY?
HDV yields 2.90% while SPY yields 1.01%, so HDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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