KNG vs VIG: ETF Comparison
Compare KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income 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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KNG vs VIG: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, VIG narrowly leads KNG: +10.2% per year vs +9.1% per year — a gap of 1.1 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 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 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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KNG vs VIG Side-by-Side Data
| Symbol | Name | Provider | Inception | Age | Total Return | Avg. Annual Return | Yield | Expense Ratio | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| VIG | Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF | Vanguard | 4/21/2006 | 20.3y | +617.0% | +10.2% | 1.6% | 0.04% | A |
KNG vs VIG — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, KNG or VIG?
By average annual total return since inception, VIG narrowly leads KNG (+10.2% 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 KNG and VIG?
KNG (FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF) is offered by First Trust and currently yields 8%. VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) is offered by Vanguard and yields 1.6%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +9.1% and +10.2% respectively.
Does VIG pay a higher dividend than KNG?
VIG currently yields 1.6% and KNG yields 8%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.