HDV vs LQD
iShares Core High Dividend ETF vs iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
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.
iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (LQD) is an exchange-traded fund issued by iShares that provides exposure to investment-grade U.S. corporate bonds. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.14%. The fund offers a high dividend yield of 4.53%. Launched in 2002, the fund has a 24-year track record.
Quick Verdict
HDV has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.08% vs 0.14%), saving about $119 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, HDV has significantly outperformed with a 11.2% return vs 0.0%. Income investors may prefer LQD for its higher yield (4.5% vs 3.0%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
HDV Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Exxon Mobil CorporationXOM | 9.48% |
| Chevron CorporationCVX | 7.13% |
| Johnson & JohnsonJNJ | 6.04% |
| AbbVie Inc.ABBV | 5.48% |
| The Procter & Gamble CompanyPG | 4.40% |
| Philip Morris International Inc.PM | 4.20% |
| Merck & Co., Inc.MRK | 4.20% |
| The Home Depot, Inc.HD | 4.05% |
| The Progressive CorporationPGR | 3.80% |
| The Coca-Cola CompanyKO | 3.77% |
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 HDV if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose LQD if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.