HDV vs. LVHI

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) and LVHI (Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HDV is a Dividend fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index, while LVHI is a Volatility Hedged Equity fund tracking the Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Hedged Index-NR. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HDV returned 11.16%/yr vs 16.14%/yr for LVHI. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HDV charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for LVHI.

Performance

HDV vs. LVHI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) and Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HDV achieves a 15.36% return, which is significantly higher than LVHI's 14.47% return.

HDV

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 0.05%
• 6M: 13.47%
• YTD: 15.36%
• 1Y: 19.24%
• 3Y*: 15.04%
• 5Y*: 11.16%
• 10Y*: 9.03%

LVHI

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 0.61%
• 6M: 12.54%
• YTD: 14.47%
• 1Y: 31.17%
• 3Y*: 22.26%
• 5Y*: 16.14%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

HDV vs. LVHI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HDV iShares Core High Dividend ETF	15.36%	11.90%	14.16%	1.72%	7.05%	19.45%	-6.48%	20.22%	-3.01%	13.40%
LVHI Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	14.47%	27.12%	14.81%	17.45%	3.84%	18.19%	-8.76%	18.35%	-5.22%	12.26%

Correlation

The correlation between HDV and LVHI is 0.56, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.56
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 28, 2016	0.57

The correlation between HDV and LVHI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

HDV vs. LVHI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HDV	LVHI
Consumer Defensive	24.5%	9.3%
Healthcare	23.7%	7.4%
Energy	19.6%	16.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	5.4%
Utilities	8.2%	9.8%
Communication Services	5.2%	5.8%
Financial Services	4.8%	23.9%
Industrials	3.6%	13.3%
Basic Materials	0.8%	6.8%
Technology	0.2%	0.1%
Real Estate	-	1.8%

Return for Risk

HDV vs. LVHI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

HDV

HDV Risk / Return Rank: 72
HDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
HDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
HDV Omega Ratio Rank: 64
HDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
HDV Martin Ratio Rank: 68

LVHI

LVHI Risk / Return Rank: 95
LVHI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
LVHI Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
LVHI Omega Ratio Rank: 95
LVHI Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
LVHI Martin Ratio Rank: 94

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

HDV vs. LVHI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) and Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	HDV	LVHI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	3.20	-1.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	4.45	-1.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.61	-0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.60	5.07	-1.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.85	20.84	-10.99

HDV vs. LVHI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HDV Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is lower than the LVHI Sharpe Ratio of 3.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HDV and LVHI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

HDV vs. LVHI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HDV drawdown since its inception was -37.04%, which is greater than LVHI's maximum drawdown of -32.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HDV and LVHI.

Drawdown Indicators

	HDV	LVHI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.04%	-32.31%	-4.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.18%	-6.08%	+0.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.49%	-11.99%	+1.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.42%	-11.99%	-3.43%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.39%	0.00%	-1.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.07%	-3.49%	+0.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.90%	1.48%	+0.42%

Volatility

HDV vs. LVHI - Volatility Comparison

iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) has a higher volatility of 4.51% compared to Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF (LVHI) at 2.75%. This indicates that HDV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than LVHI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HDV	LVHI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.51%	2.75%	+1.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.34%	7.75%	+0.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.47%	9.62%	+0.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.88%	11.07%	+1.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.74%	13.72%	+2.02%

HDV vs. LVHI - Expense Ratio Comparison

HDV has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than LVHI's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

HDV vs. LVHI - Dividend Comparison

HDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.87%, less than LVHI's 4.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HDV iShares Core High Dividend ETF	2.87%	3.22%	3.67%	3.82%	3.56%	3.47%	4.07%	3.27%	3.67%	3.27%	3.28%	3.92%
LVHI Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF	4.66%	4.92%	3.98%	8.12%	7.74%	4.13%	3.97%	6.67%	10.67%	3.38%	2.02%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HDV and LVHI in my portfolio?

HDV and LVHI have a correlation of 0.56, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HDV or LVHI?

HDV has higher volatility (4.51%) compared to LVHI (2.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HDV dropped -37.04% vs LVHI's -32.31%.

Which ETF is better, HDV or LVHI?

On 5-year performance, LVHI leads with 16.14% vs 11.16% for HDV. On fees, HDV is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, LVHI has been the lower-risk option at 2.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HDV or LVHI?

Over the 5-year period, LVHI has performed better with a 16.14% return vs 11.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HDV or LVHI?

HDV is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for LVHI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HDV or LVHI?

LVHI has the higher dividend yield at 4.66%, compared with 2.87% for HDV.

What is the main difference between HDV and LVHI?

HDV is categorized as Dividend, while LVHI is Volatility Hedged Equity. HDV tracks Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index, while LVHI tracks Franklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Hedged Index-NR. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Franklin Templeton. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for HDV and 0.40% for LVHI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

LVHI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.20 vs 1.79), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.