VYM vs HDV
Two large high-dividend ETFs with different index methodologies and sector tilts. Here’s how VYM and HDV compare for dividend investors — with a calculator for each so you can model the income yourself.
VYM
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
- Type
- High-dividend ETF
- Issuer
- Vanguard
- Pays
- quarterly
VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, weighting toward established U.S. companies that pay above-average dividends. It aims for a higher current yield than the broad market while keeping a diversified, large-cap profile.
VYM dividend calculatorHDV
iShares Core High Dividend ETF
- Type
- High-dividend ETF
- Issuer
- iShares
- Pays
- quarterly
HDV tracks the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index, screening for higher-yielding US companies with quality and financial-health filters. It tilts defensive, with heavy energy, healthcare, and consumer-staples exposure.
HDV dividend calculatorVYM vs HDV dividend, side by side
Current dividend figures for VYM and HDV as of Jul 10, 2026. Yields and payouts change — verify the latest numbers with your broker before investing.
How VYM and HDV differ
VYM — VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, weighting toward established U.S. companies that pay above-average dividends. It aims for a higher current yield than the broad market while keeping a diversified, large-cap profile.
HDV — HDV tracks the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index, screening for higher-yielding US companies with quality and financial-health filters. It tilts defensive, with heavy energy, healthcare, and consumer-staples exposure.
In practice the choice comes down to your goal. VYM suits an investor who wants a higher current yield from a diversified large-cap base, while HDV suits one who wants a higher current yield from a diversified large-cap base. The two are not mutually exclusive — plenty of portfolios hold a growth-oriented fund and an income-oriented one together. What matters is matching each to its job and not judging a fund on its headline yield alone.
Rather than compare a single snapshot yield (which moves daily), open each calculator and enter current figures: the VYM calculator and the HDV calculator. To compare long-term compounding head to head, run the same contributions through the dividend reinvestment calculator with each fund’s assumptions.
VYM vs HDV FAQ
- What's the main difference between VYM and HDV?
- VYM is a high-dividend etf from Vanguard; HDV is a high-dividend etf from iShares. Two large high-dividend ETFs with different index methodologies and sector tilts.
- Does VYM or HDV pay more dividends?
- As of Jul 10, 2026, VYM yields about 2.26% and HDV about 2.88%, so HDV currently pays the higher yield. VYM pays quarterly; HDV pays quarterly. Yields move daily, so verify current figures and use the calculators below to model the income yourself. Higher-yield funds pay more today, while dividend-growth funds start lower and raise the payout over time.
- Which is better, VYM or HDV?
- Neither is universally better — they suit different goals. VYM fits an investor who wants a higher current yield from a diversified large-cap base; HDV fits one who wants a higher current yield from a diversified large-cap base. Match the fund to your objective, time horizon, and tax situation, and consider a licensed advisor.
- Can I hold both VYM and HDV?
- Many investors do, to blend current income with growth. Just be aware of overlap — if both hold similar large-cap US stocks, you may be less diversified than the two tickers suggest.