VLLU vs. HDV

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VLLU (Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF) and HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) are both Large Cap Value Equities funds - VLLU tracks the Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value Index while HDV tracks the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VLLU returned 26.23% vs 19.90% for HDV. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VLLU charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for HDV.

Performance

VLLU vs. HDV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) and iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VLLU achieves a 11.14% return, which is significantly lower than HDV's 12.28% return.

VLLU

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 5.60%
• YTD: 11.14%
• 6M: 14.80%
• 1Y: 26.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HDV

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: -0.73%
• YTD: 12.28%
• 6M: 12.66%
• 1Y: 19.90%
• 3Y*: 14.80%
• 5Y*: 10.35%
• 10Y*: 9.22%

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

VLLU vs. HDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	11.14%	17.35%	2.68%
HDV iShares Core High Dividend ETF	12.28%	11.90%	-1.96%

Correlation

The correlation between VLLU and HDV is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2024	0.59

The correlation between VLLU and HDV shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (1 year) to 0.59 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VLLU vs. HDV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VLLU	HDV
Financial Services	27.0%	11.1%
Technology	23.8%	8.2%
Healthcare	13.6%	16.5%
Energy	9.4%	22.3%
Industrials	7.3%	1.4%
Communication Services	6.3%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	24.1%
Consumer Cyclical	4.8%	6.1%
Basic Materials	3.0%	1.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	9.2%

Return for Risk

VLLU vs. HDV — Risk / Return Rank

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

VLLU

VLLU Risk / Return Rank: 74
VLLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VLLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
VLLU Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VLLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VLLU Martin Ratio Rank: 78

HDV

HDV Risk / Return Rank: 64
HDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
HDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
HDV Omega Ratio Rank: 57
HDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
HDV Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

VLLU vs. HDV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) and iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV). 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.

	VLLU	HDV	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	2.06	+0.34
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.48	3.05	+0.44
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.35	+0.07
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.20	3.96	+0.25
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	15.41	11.09	+4.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VLLU vs. HDV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VLLU Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the HDV Sharpe Ratio of 2.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VLLU and HDV, 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

	VLLU	HDV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.39	2.06	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.24	0.72	+0.52

Drawdowns

VLLU vs. HDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VLLU drawdown since its inception was -16.62%, smaller than the maximum HDV drawdown of -37.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VLLU and HDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VLLU	HDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.62%	-37.04%	+20.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.33%	-5.18%	-1.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-10.49%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-15.42%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.04%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.90%	+2.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.45%	-3.09%	+0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.73%	1.85%	-0.12%

Volatility

VLLU vs. HDV - Volatility Comparison

Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF (VLLU) has a higher volatility of 3.66% compared to iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) at 3.23%. This indicates that VLLU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HDV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VLLU	HDV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.66%	3.23%	+0.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.21%	7.59%	+0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.01%	9.73%	+1.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.86%	12.82%	+2.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.86%	15.73%	-0.87%

VLLU vs. HDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VLLU has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than HDV's 0.08% 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

VLLU vs. HDV - Dividend Comparison

VLLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, less than HDV's 2.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HDV iShares Core High Dividend ETF	2.92%	3.22%	3.67%	3.82%	3.56%	3.47%	4.07%	3.27%	3.67%	3.27%	3.28%	3.92%
VLLU Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value ETF	1.37%	1.52%	0.90%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VLLU and HDV in my portfolio?

VLLU and HDV have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VLLU or HDV?

VLLU has higher volatility (3.66%) compared to HDV (3.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VLLU dropped -16.62% vs HDV's -37.04%.

Which ETF is better, VLLU or HDV?

On 1-year performance, VLLU leads with 26.23% vs 19.90% for HDV. On fees, HDV is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, HDV has been the lower-risk option at 3.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VLLU or HDV?

Over the 1-year period, VLLU has performed better with a 26.23% return vs 19.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VLLU or HDV?

HDV is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for VLLU.

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

HDV has the higher dividend yield at 2.92%, compared with 1.37% for VLLU.

What is the main difference between VLLU and HDV?

VLLU tracks Harbor AlphaEdge Large Cap Value Index, while HDV tracks Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index. They also come from different issuers: Harbor and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VLLU and 0.08% for HDV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VLLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 2.06), 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.