ETF Versus

HDV vs IWM

iShares Core High Dividend ETF vs iShares Russell 2000 ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

HDV iShares

iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.08%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.96%. Launched in 2011, the fund has a 15-year track record.

AUM: $13.5B ER: 0.08% Yield: 2.96% Since: Mar 29, 2011
IWM iShares

iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a moderate expense ratio of 0.19%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.02%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.

AUM: $69.0B ER: 0.19% Yield: 1.02% Since: May 22, 2000

Quick Verdict

HDV is significantly cheaper at 0.08% vs 0.19% expense ratio, saving you approximately $217 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, IWM has significantly outperformed with a 25.1% return vs 11.2%. Income investors may prefer HDV for its higher yield (3.0% vs 1.0%).

Key Metrics

Metric HDV IWM
Expense Ratio 0.08% 0.19%
Dividend Yield 3.0% 1.0%
Fund Family iShares iShares
Category US Dividend US Small Cap

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

70 85 100 115 130 145 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
HDV +39.8%
IWM +10.9%

Performance Comparison

Period HDV IWM Difference
1 Month -4.43% -5.40% +0.97%
3 Months +9.57% +0.31% +9.26%
6 Months +9.49% +1.52% +7.97%
YTD +9.57% +0.31% +9.26%
1 Year +11.17% +25.09% -13.92%
3 Years +30.22% +39.83% -9.61%
5 Years +39.76% +10.93% +28.83%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period HDV Fees IWM Fees You Save
$10.000 10 years $159 $377 $217
$10.000 20 years $686 $1.613 $927
$10.000 30 years $2.212 $5.178 $2.965
$50.000 10 years $797 $1.884 $1.087
$50.000 30 years $11.061 $25.888 $14.826
$100.000 30 years $22.123 $51.776 $29.653

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric HDV IWM
Annualized Volatility 13.0% 22.6%
Max Drawdown -16.9% -33.1%
Sharpe Ratio 0.24 0.01

Dividend Comparison

Metric HDV IWM
Annual Dividend (per share) $3.96 $2.54
Dividend Yield 2.96% 1.02%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Top Holdings

0 of top 10 holdings overlap (0% overlap in top holdings)

HDV Top Holdings

NameWeight
Exxon Mobil CorporationXOM9.48%
Chevron CorporationCVX7.13%
Johnson & JohnsonJNJ6.04%
AbbVie Inc.ABBV5.48%
The Procter & Gamble CompanyPG4.40%
Philip Morris International Inc.PM4.20%
Merck & Co., Inc.MRK4.20%
The Home Depot, Inc.HD4.05%
The Progressive CorporationPGR3.80%
The Coca-Cola CompanyKO3.77%

IWM Top Holdings

NameWeight
Bloom Energy CorporationBE1.01%
FabrinetFN0.69%
Nextpower Inc.NXT0.61%
COEUR MINING INCCDE.NE0.60%
EchoStar CorporationSATS0.54%
Credo Technology Group Holding LtdCRDO0.53%
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.KTOS0.45%
Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.STRL0.43%
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.AEIS0.41%
Hecla Mining CompanyHL0.39%

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose HDV if...

you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.

Choose IWM if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

Choose HDV if...

you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.

Related Comparisons