KNGZ vs. HIDV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KNGZ (First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF) and HIDV (AB US High Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KNGZ is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Sector-Neutral Dividend Aristocrats Index, while HIDV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by AllianceBernstein. KNGZ is passively managed, while HIDV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, KNGZ returned 17.67%/yr vs 22.01%/yr for HIDV. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. KNGZ charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for HIDV.

Performance

KNGZ vs. HIDV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) and AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KNGZ achieves a 16.69% return, which is significantly higher than HIDV's 10.96% return.

KNGZ

• 1D: -1.01%
• 1M: 8.04%
• YTD: 16.69%
• 6M: 16.73%
• 1Y: 31.60%
• 3Y*: 17.67%
• 5Y*: 9.28%
• 10Y*: —

HIDV

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 10.96%
• 6M: 11.82%
• 1Y: 28.51%
• 3Y*: 22.01%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KNGZ vs. HIDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
KNGZ First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF	16.69%	14.27%	11.05%	13.54%
HIDV AB US High Dividend ETF	10.96%	14.64%	26.01%	22.21%

Correlation

The correlation between KNGZ and HIDV is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 23, 2023	0.81

The correlation between KNGZ and HIDV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

KNGZ vs. HIDV — Risk / Return Rank

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

KNGZ

KNGZ Risk / Return Rank: 69
KNGZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
KNGZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
KNGZ Omega Ratio Rank: 68
KNGZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
KNGZ Martin Ratio Rank: 63

HIDV

HIDV Risk / Return Rank: 70
HIDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
HIDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
HIDV Omega Ratio Rank: 73
HIDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
HIDV Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

KNGZ vs. HIDV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) and AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV). 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.

	KNGZ	HIDV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	2.41	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.33	3.36	-0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.44	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.37	2.99	+0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.35	13.04	-1.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KNGZ vs. HIDV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KNGZ Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is comparable to the HIDV Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KNGZ and HIDV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KNGZ	HIDV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.34	2.41	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	1.62	-1.01

Drawdowns

KNGZ vs. HIDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KNGZ drawdown since its inception was -37.44%, which is greater than HIDV's maximum drawdown of -18.76%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KNGZ and HIDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	KNGZ	HIDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.44%	-18.76%	-18.68%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-9.57%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.70%	-18.76%	-0.94%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.71%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.01%	-0.95%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.87%	-2.05%	-2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.19%	+0.60%

Volatility

KNGZ vs. HIDV - Volatility Comparison

First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF (KNGZ) has a higher volatility of 3.82% compared to AB US High Dividend ETF (HIDV) at 2.98%. This indicates that KNGZ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HIDV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KNGZ	HIDV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.82%	2.98%	+0.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	9.02%	+0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.58%	11.91%	+1.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.12%	14.52%	+1.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.87%	14.52%	+4.35%

KNGZ vs. HIDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

KNGZ has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than HIDV's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

KNGZ vs. HIDV - Dividend Comparison

KNGZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, more than HIDV's 2.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HIDV AB US High Dividend ETF	2.27%	2.22%	2.29%	2.23%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
KNGZ First Trust S&P 500 Diversified Dividend Aristocrats ETF	2.33%	2.70%	2.55%	3.10%	2.52%	1.95%	2.44%	2.85%	4.09%	1.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KNGZ and HIDV in my portfolio?

KNGZ and HIDV have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KNGZ or HIDV?

KNGZ has higher volatility (3.82%) compared to HIDV (2.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KNGZ dropped -37.44% vs HIDV's -18.76%.

Which ETF is better, KNGZ or HIDV?

On 3-year performance, HIDV leads with 22.01% vs 17.67% for KNGZ. On fees, HIDV is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, HIDV has been the lower-risk option at 2.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KNGZ or HIDV?

Over the 3-year period, HIDV has performed better with a 22.01% return vs 17.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KNGZ or HIDV?

HIDV is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for KNGZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KNGZ or HIDV?

KNGZ has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 2.27% for HIDV.

What is the main difference between KNGZ and HIDV?

KNGZ is categorized as S&P 500, while HIDV is Large Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and AllianceBernstein. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for KNGZ and 0.45% for HIDV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HIDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 2.34), 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.