HDV vs SDY: ETF Comparison
Compare HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) and SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend 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 SDY: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, HDV edges out SDY: +10.8% per year vs +9.0% per year — a gap of 1.8 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: SDY has been trading for 20.7 years, while HDV has only 15.4 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.
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HDV vs SDY 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 |
| SDY | SPDR S&P Dividend ETF | State Street | 11/8/2005 | 20.7y | +497.0% | +9.0% | 2.6% | 0.35% | A |
HDV vs SDY — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, HDV or SDY?
By average annual total return since inception, HDV edges out SDY (+10.8% vs +9.0% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between HDV and SDY?
HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) is offered by iShares and currently yields 3.3%. SDY (SPDR S&P Dividend ETF) is offered by State Street and yields 2.6%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +10.8% and +9.0% respectively.
Does HDV pay a higher dividend than SDY?
HDV currently yields 3.3% and SDY yields 2.6%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.