iShares Core High Dividend ETF

HDV

Market cap $11.8B

A smart beta exchange traded fund, the iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) debuted on 03/29/2011, and offers broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Value category of the market.

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF is more diversified and has much higher assets under management than iShares Core High Dividend ETF. HDV offers a higher dividend yield, but VYM has delivered stronger recent total returns.

SCHD charges a slightly lower expense ratio and offers a higher dividend yield than HDV HDV has delivered better 1-year returns and a higher 5-year growth of $1,000, but SCHD is much larger by assets under management Both ETFs tilt toward energy, consumer defensive, and healthcare, but SCHD holds more stocks and shows a deeper recent drawdown

The iShares Core High Dividend ETF offers a quality-biased, low-beta portfolio focused on large-cap, defensive sectors like consumer staples, healthcare, and energy. HDV provides an attractive 3.2% dividend yield and trades at a discount to the broader market but at a premium compared to most dividend ETF peers. The fund's defensive sector tilt and low volatility profile limit downside risk, yet result in underperformance during bull markets and high exposure to oil prices.

High-yielding stocks get a lot of attention. But a lot of them have underperformed over the long run. Which are better? High yielders or dividend growth stocks?

For investors like myself who believe that dividend investing is a strategy that will outperform in the years and decades to come (largely because companies that pay dividends tend to be much more solidly-positioned than unprofitable companies), finding top dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to consider buying is a time-tested strategy worth considering.

AI-driven tech stocks dominate 2025 returns, leaving dividend and high-yield ETFs lagging due to limited AI exposure. REITs face mixed fortunes: ARE and DOC struggle with life science oversupply, while IVT, AMT, ADC, and VICI offer attractive dividend growth and value. My current buy list focuses on undervalued REITs and ETFs with strong dividend growth.

The stock market is historically expensive. Even as a recession is more and more plausible in the near future. Fortunately, many defensive dividend payers remain opportunistic.

One of the keys to a comfortable retirement is finding a steady and reliable stream of passive income.

I added Ares Capital and Chevron to the Dividend Income Accelerator Portfolio, boosting Dividend Yield and reducing portfolio volatility. Ares Capital offers a Dividend Yield [FWD] of 10.05% and modest dividend growth potential, enhancing income generation and stability. Chevron, now a core position, provides a 4.46% yield, solid financial health, and supports both income and dividend growth for the portfolio.