Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions

IDV vs XYLD

iShares International Select Dividend ETF versus Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.

IDV wins 4–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but XYLD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.

Scorecard at a glance

Dimension	IDV	XYLD	Winner
Yield	4.63%	10.61%	XYLD wins
Dividend safety	6.8/10	5.1/10	IDV wins
Growth trend	—	—	Tie
Expense ratio	50.00%	60.00%	IDV wins
Scale	$7.9B	$3.1B	IDV wins
Tax efficiency	Qualified-eligible	Ordinary income	IDV wins
Overall	4 wins	1 wins	IDV wins

Dimension by dimension

XYLD wins on yield (10.61% vs 4.63%)

On a $10,000 investment that's about $598 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.

XYLD's higher yield (10.61%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus IDV's 4.63% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.

IDV: 4.63%XYLD: 10.61%

IDV wins on safety (6.8/10 vs 5.1/10)

Our score combines yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size. IDV scores better on the weighted average of those factors.

IDV (6.8/10) scores 1.7 points higher than XYLD (5.1/10). A higher safety score means lower historical indicators of dividend cut risk — payout ratio, yield zone, and trend all factor in.

IDV: 6.8/10XYLD: 5.1/10

Yield-trend comparison unavailable

One or both tickers are missing 5-year average yield data.

IDV: —XYLD: —

IDV is cheaper (50.00% vs 60.00%)

On a $10,000 position the lower expense ratio saves about $1000/year — small annually but compounds significantly over 20+ years.

On $10,000 invested, IDV's lower expense ratio saves roughly $10/year in fees versus XYLD. Over 20 years that compounds to a meaningful drag — expense ratios are one of the few costs investors fully control.

IDV: 50.00%XYLD: 60.00%

IDV is 2.6× larger by AUM

Larger funds tend to have tighter spreads, deeper liquidity, and lower closure risk.

IDV: $7.9BXYLD: $3.1B

IDV is more tax-efficient in a taxable account

XYLD's distributions are typically taxed as ordinary income (covered call ETF, REIT, or mREIT) — versus qualified dividends from IDV which get the lower long-term capital gains rate.

XYLD uses a covered-call or options strategy that typically generates ordinary income taxed at your full marginal rate. IDV's dividends may qualify for the 0–20% qualified dividend rate. In a taxable account, IDV keeps more of your income after taxes.

IDV: Qualified-eligibleXYLD: Ordinary income

How we compare these

Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.

This is educational, not investment advice.Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.

Frequently asked

Which is better for income, IDV or XYLD?

IDV wins 4–1 on our six-dimension comparison, but XYLD can still be the better fit depending on your priorities — see each dimension below.

IDV vs XYLD: which has a higher dividend yield?

IDV yields 4.63% and XYLD yields 10.61%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $598 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.

Is IDV or XYLD a safer dividend in 2026?

IDV scores 6.8/10 (Solid) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. XYLD scores 5.1/10 (Mixed). IDV is the safer pick on our scoring model.

Which has better dividend growth, IDV or XYLD?