WISE vs. HDV

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

WISE (Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF) and HDV (iShares Core High Dividend ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WISE is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Solactive Generative Artificial Intelligence Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while HDV is a Dividend fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, WISE returned 17.25% vs 21.06% for HDV. At a 0.06 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WISE charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for HDV.

Performance

WISE vs. HDV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) 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, WISE achieves a -2.18% return, which is significantly lower than HDV's 14.07% return.

WISE

• 1D: -3.61%
• 1M: -5.13%
• YTD: -2.18%
• 6M: -3.57%
• 1Y: 17.25%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

HDV

• 1D: 1.33%
• 1M: -1.35%
• YTD: 14.07%
• 6M: 14.08%
• 1Y: 21.06%
• 3Y*: 15.48%
• 5Y*: 11.09%
• 10Y*: 9.45%

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

WISE vs. HDV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
WISE Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	-2.18%	5.88%	40.45%	8.33%
HDV iShares Core High Dividend ETF	14.07%	11.90%	14.16%	3.03%

Correlation

The correlation between WISE and HDV is -0.12, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2023	0.06

The correlation between WISE and HDV shifts across timeframes, from -0.12 (1 year) to 0.06 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

WISE vs. HDV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WISE	HDV
Technology	91.4%	0.2%
Consumer Cyclical	3.5%	9.2%
Communication Services	2.7%	5.7%
Industrials	1.4%	3.5%
Healthcare	0.7%	22.6%
Utilities	0.4%	8.1%
Basic Materials	-	0.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	24.5%
Energy	-	20.2%
Financial Services	-	4.7%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

WISE vs. HDV — Risk / Return Rank

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

WISE

WISE Risk / Return Rank: 16
WISE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
WISE Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
WISE Omega Ratio Rank: 17
WISE Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
WISE Martin Ratio Rank: 14

HDV

HDV Risk / Return Rank: 70
HDV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
HDV Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
HDV Omega Ratio Rank: 62
HDV Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
HDV Martin Ratio Rank: 64

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.

WISE vs. HDV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) 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.

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.

	WISE	HDV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.52	2.13	-1.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.91	3.13	-2.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.36	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.51	4.09	-3.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.20	11.19	-9.99

WISE vs. HDV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WISE Sharpe Ratio is 0.52, which is lower than the HDV Sharpe Ratio of 2.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WISE 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.

Drawdowns

WISE vs. HDV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WISE drawdown since its inception was -39.15%, which is greater than HDV's maximum drawdown of -37.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WISE and HDV.

Drawdown Indicators

	WISE	HDV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.15%	-37.04%	-2.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-34.08%	-5.18%	-28.90%
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	-16.72%	-1.35%	-15.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.90%	-3.08%	-8.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	14.44%	1.89%	+12.55%

Volatility

WISE vs. HDV - Volatility Comparison

Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) has a higher volatility of 13.48% compared to iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) at 3.64%. This indicates that WISE'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

	WISE	HDV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.48%	3.64%	+9.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.50%	7.61%	+17.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.41%	9.93%	+23.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.85%	12.81%	+21.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.85%	15.73%	+18.12%

WISE vs. HDV - Expense Ratio Comparison

WISE has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than HDV's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

WISE vs. HDV - Dividend Comparison

WISE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.22%, more than HDV's 2.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HDV iShares Core High Dividend ETF	2.90%	3.22%	3.67%	3.82%	3.56%	3.47%	4.07%	3.27%	3.67%	3.27%	3.28%	3.92%
WISE Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF	4.22%	4.12%	0.00%	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 WISE and HDV in my portfolio?

WISE and HDV have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WISE or HDV?

WISE has higher volatility (13.48%) compared to HDV (3.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WISE dropped -39.15% vs HDV's -37.04%.

Which ETF is better, WISE or HDV?

On 1-year performance, HDV leads with 21.06% vs 17.25% for WISE. On fees, HDV is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, HDV has been the lower-risk option at 3.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WISE or HDV?

Over the 1-year period, HDV has performed better with a 21.06% return vs 17.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WISE or HDV?

HDV is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for WISE.

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

WISE has the higher dividend yield at 4.22%, compared with 2.90% for HDV.

What is the main difference between WISE and HDV?

WISE is categorized as Technology Equities, while HDV is Dividend. WISE tracks Solactive Generative Artificial Intelligence Index - Benchmark TR Gross, while HDV tracks Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Index. They also come from different issuers: Themes and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for WISE and 0.08% for HDV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HDV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.13 vs 0.52), 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.