HDV vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HDV is a Dividend fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, HDV returned 9.47%/yr vs 10.22%/yr for VXUS. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HDV charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

HDV vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HDV achieves a 15.30% return, which is significantly higher than VXUS's 13.69% return. Over the past 10 years, HDV has underperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 9.47%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively higher 10.22% annualized return.

HDV

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 2.54%
• YTD: 15.30%
• 6M: 15.20%
• 1Y: 21.55%
• 3Y*: 15.16%
• 5Y*: 10.91%
• 10Y*: 9.47%

VXUS

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: 0.71%
• YTD: 13.69%
• 6M: 15.52%
• 1Y: 28.39%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

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

HDV vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HDV iShares Core High Dividend ETF	15.30%	11.90%	14.16%	1.72%	7.05%	19.45%	-6.48%	20.22%	-3.01%	13.40%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	13.69%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between HDV and VXUS is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 31, 2011	0.65

Over the past year, the correlation between HDV and VXUS has dropped to 0.24 - well below their long-term average of 0.65, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

HDV vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HDV	VXUS
Consumer Defensive	24.1%	5.0%
Energy	22.3%	5.2%
Healthcare	16.5%	7.1%
Financial Services	11.1%	22.3%
Utilities	9.2%	3.2%
Technology	8.2%	18.1%
Consumer Cyclical	6.1%	8.4%
Industrials	1.4%	16.1%
Basic Materials	1.2%	7.6%
Communication Services	0.1%	4.4%
Real Estate	-	2.6%

Return for Risk

HDV vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

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

HDV

HDV Risk / Return Rank: 80
HDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
HDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
HDV Omega Ratio Rank: 76
HDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
HDV Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 61
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). 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	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.23	1.77	+0.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.29	2.44	+0.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.33	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.18	2.53	+1.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.59	9.72	+1.86

HDV vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HDV Sharpe Ratio is 2.23, which is comparable to the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HDV and VXUS, 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. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HDV drawdown since its inception was -37.04%, roughly equal to the maximum VXUS drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HDV and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	HDV	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.04%	-35.97%	-1.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.18%	-11.27%	+6.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.49%	-13.58%	+3.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.42%	-29.44%	+14.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.04%	-35.97%	-1.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.29%	-1.47%	+1.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.08%	-8.21%	+5.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.87%	2.93%	-1.06%

Volatility

HDV vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) is 3.10%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 6.71%. This indicates that HDV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HDV	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.10%	6.71%	-3.61%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.44%	14.02%	-6.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.73%	16.09%	-6.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.83%	16.21%	-3.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.73%	17.20%	-1.47%

HDV vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

HDV has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

HDV vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

HDV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.84%, more than VXUS's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HDV iShares Core High Dividend ETF	2.84%	3.22%	3.67%	3.82%	3.56%	3.47%	4.07%	3.27%	3.67%	3.27%	3.28%	3.92%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.67%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HDV and VXUS in my portfolio?

HDV and VXUS have a correlation of 0.24, 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 VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.71%) compared to HDV (3.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HDV dropped -37.04% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, HDV or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, VXUS leads with 10.22% vs 9.47% for HDV. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, HDV has been the lower-risk option at 3.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HDV or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 10.22% return vs 9.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HDV or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for HDV.

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

HDV has the higher dividend yield at 2.84%, compared with 2.67% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between HDV and VXUS?

HDV is categorized as Dividend, while VXUS is Global Equities. HDV tracks Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for HDV and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 1.77), 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.