HDV ETF: What Is It? A Complete Guide to Returns, Fees, Holdings, and Alternative ETFs
The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) tracks the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index and is built around defensive large-cap value stocks in sectors such as consumer staples and energy. Its low fee and quarterly dividend are the key selection criteria compared with SCHD and VYM.
SubscribeWhat Is the iShares Core High Dividend ETF?
This high-dividend ETF tracks the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index and diversifies across large US value stocks that have consistently paid high dividends. Holdings are selected by weighing financial soundness together with dividend sustainability.
It emphasizes stable dividend income and a defensive character, making it suitable for long-term investors who want to reduce volatility.
It is a passively managed (index-tracking) ETF run by BlackRock (iShares).
How Does the iShares Core High Dividend ETF Invest?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tracked Index | Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index |
| Management Style | Passive (index tracking) |
| Rebalancing Frequency | Quarterly |
| Dividend Frequency | Quarterly dividends |
| Issuer | BlackRock (iShares) |
| Total Expense Ratio | 0.08% |
The fund holds financially sound large US companies that have steadily delivered relatively high dividend yields. Defensive sectors such as consumer staples, energy, and healthcare carry heavy weights, and rebalancing is applied quarterly under the index rules.
- High-dividend portfolio centered on defensive value stocks
- Fees below the category average
iShares Core High Dividend ETF Size and Costs (AUM and Management Fees)
Assets under management (AUM) stand at $16.1B, and the total expense ratio (Expense Ratio) is 0.08% per year.
Its fee is lower than that of comparable high-dividend ETFs, and its relatively heavy concentration in defensive sectors is a distinguishing factor.
iShares Core High Dividend ETF Performance and Trends
1-Year Price Performance
Dividend & Yield
52-Week Price RangeGiven its high-dividend, value-oriented profile, it tends to lag growth-focused indexes in strong bull markets, but it generally performs defensively in volatile periods. Its short-term trend is influenced by interest rates and sector rotation.
Demand for income and a preference for defensive assets drive fund flows, which tend to shift with the interest rate environment and sentiment toward dividend stocks. When volatility rises, attention sometimes turns to defensive dividend ETFs.
iShares Core High Dividend ETF Pros and Cons
Its strengths are the low fee and a defensive high-dividend portfolio, while its weaknesses are sector concentration and relative underperformance versus growth stocks.
💪 Key Strengths
⚠️ Points to Watch
iShares Core High Dividend ETF Alternative ETFs and Related Products
The SCHD and VYM shown in the table are leading ETFs in the same US high-dividend category and serve as comparison points on fees and construction method, while VIG is a variant that focuses on dividend growth rather than high dividends. You can also consider DGRO, which centers on dividend growth stocks, NOBL, which tracks the Dividend Aristocrats index of companies that have raised dividends for many years, and SPHD, which combines high dividends with low volatility.
Peer Comparison ETFs| Ticker | Name | Price | Change | AUM | Total Expense Ratio | Dividend Yield | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SCHD | Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF | $35.78 | +0.5% | $120.5B | 0.06% | 2.94% | +34.1% |
 VIG | Vanguard Dividend Appreciation FTF | $247.76 | -0.6% | $116.5B | 0.04% | 1.47% | +13.8% |
 VYM | Vanguard High Dividend Yield Indx ETF | $163.74 | -0.7% | $83.8B | 0.04% | 2.25% | +16.3% |
 DFAC | U.S. Core Equity 2 Portfolio-ETF Class Shares | $44.89 | -1.3% | $49.9B | 0.18% | 0.88% | +15.4% |
 RDVY | First Trust Rising Dividend Achievers ETF | $79.17 | -1.0% | $25.7B | 0.47% | 0.86% | +17.2% |
Top Holdings| Ticker | Name | Weight | Price | Change | Market Cap | P/E | Dividend Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XOM | ExxonMobil Holdings Corp | 0.16% | $187.25 | +2.2% | $770.0B | 24.1 | 2.22% |
| CVX | Chevron Corp | 0.13% | $235.52 | +1.8% | $465.3B | 22.6 | 3.03% |
| ABBV | Abbvie Inc | 0.12% | $294.89 | +1.4% | $521.1B | 83.4 | 2.32% |
| JNJ | Johnson & Johnson | 0.06% | $273.20 | -0.7% | $657.7B | 41.4 | 1.96% |
| VZ | Verizon Communications Inc | 0.06% | $44.73 | +2.5% | $185.4B | 11.4 | 6.31% |
| PG | Procter & Gamble Co | 0.09% | $161.57 | +0.6% | $374.5B | 24.4 | 2.72% |
iShares Core High Dividend ETF Investor Checkpoints
Here are the points to review before investing in HDV. It is a core high-dividend asset, but it is best to thoroughly check its defensive sector concentration, interest rate sensitivity, and the difference between high dividends and dividend growth, then judge whether it fits your own investment goals.
| Checkpoint | What to Check | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| 💵 Expense Ratio | Check the cumulative cost impact over a long holding period | Low level |
| 📊 Sector Weights | Check the degree of defensive sector concentration | Heavy defensive sector weighting |
| 💰 Dividend Character | Understand the difference between high dividends and dividend growth | Focused on high dividends |
| 💱 Exchange Rate | Impact on returns converted into won | No currency hedge |
Concentration in certain defensive sectors and interest rate sensitivity are the main drivers of short-term volatility. In strong bull markets, returns can lag growth-focused indexes, so it is important to clearly understand the nature of the expected returns.
It is a core high-dividend asset suited to long-term investors who value stable dividend income and a defensive character. If you place more weight on dividend growth, compare SCHD and VIG, and if you also want low volatility, compare SPHD before choosing.
SubscribeDisclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investment responsibility lies with the investor.
This article reflects information as of June 21, 2026.
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