HDV vs VIG: ETF Comparison
Compare HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) and VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation 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 VIG: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, HDV narrowly leads VIG: +10.8% per year vs +10.2% per year — a gap of 0.6 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: VIG has been trading for 20.3 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.
Income investors will notice the yield gap: HDV currently yields 3.3% vs VIG's 1.6%. 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 VIG 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 |
| VIG | Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | Vanguard | 4/21/2006 | 20.3y | +617.0% | +10.2% | 1.6% | 0.04% | A |
HDV vs VIG — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, HDV or VIG?
By average annual total return since inception, HDV narrowly leads VIG (+10.8% vs +10.2% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between HDV and VIG?
HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) is offered by iShares and currently yields 3.3%. VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) is offered by Vanguard and yields 1.6%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +10.8% and +10.2% respectively.
Does HDV pay a higher dividend than VIG?
HDV currently yields 3.3% and VIG yields 1.6%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.