HDV vs KNG: ETF Comparison
Compare HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) and KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income 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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HDV vs KNG: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, HDV edges out KNG: +10.8% per year vs +9.1% per year — a gap of 1.7 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: HDV has been trading for 15.4 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 HDV's 3.3%. Higher yield often comes with trade-offs in price appreciation, which is exactly why total return is the fairer scoreboard.
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HDV vs KNG 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 | 15.4y | +384.0% | +10.8% | 3.3% | 0.08% | B |
| 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 |
HDV vs KNG — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, HDV or KNG?
By average annual total return since inception, HDV edges out KNG (+10.8% vs +9.1% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between HDV and KNG?
HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) is offered by iShares and currently yields 3.3%. KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) is offered by First Trust and yields 8%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +10.8% and +9.1% respectively.
Does HDV pay a higher dividend than KNG?
HDV currently yields 3.3% and KNG yields 8%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.