DGRO vs DGRW

Quick Verdict

DGRO has a lower expense ratio. DGRO delivered stronger 1-year returns. DGRO offers more diversification with 380 holdings.

Lower Fees: DGROHigher Returns: DGROMore Diversified: DGRO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDGRODGRWWinner
Expense Ratio0.08%0.28%
AUM$42.8B$16.6B
Dividend Yield1.95%1.27%
Holdings397197
YTD Return+12.78%+8.19%
1Y Return+23.23%+14.83%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.31%+13.98%
5Y Return (annualized)+11.12%+11.46%
Volatility (annualized)13.7%13.5%
Max Drawdown-35.1%-32.2%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)WisdomTree Investments
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 10, 2014May 22, 2013

DGRO vs DGRW Performance

iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and WisdomTree US Quality Dividend Growth Fund (DGRW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year DGRO returned +23.23% while DGRW returned +14.83%. Year to date, DGRO is up 12.78% versus a gain of 8.19% for DGRW.

Over three years, DGRO compounded at +16.31% per year against +13.98% for DGRW; over five years the annualized figures are +11.12% and +11.46% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, DGRW has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +11.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 13.5% for DGRW. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -35.1% for DGRO and -32.2% for DGRW. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DGRO charges 0.08% per year while DGRW charges 0.28%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $28 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGRO currently yields 1.95% against 1.27% for DGRW.

Holdings Overlap

45.4%overlap

DGRO and DGRW share 128 holdings out of 447 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DGROWeight in DGRWDifference
AAPL2.93%5.49%2.56%
MSFT2.72%4.73%2.01%
XOM2.55%3.31%0.76%
JNJProProPro
HDProProPro
ABBVProProPro
KOProProPro
AVGOProProPro
UNHProProPro
PGProProPro
See all 10 holdings DGRO shares with DGRW
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DGRO or DGRW?

DGRO has an expense ratio of 0.08% while DGRW charges 0.28%. DGRO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DGRO or DGRW?

Over the past year DGRO returned +23.23% vs +14.83% for DGRW, so DGRO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), DGRO annualized +11.08% vs +11.63% for DGRW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DGRO or DGRW?

DGRO has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 13.5% for DGRW. Worst drawdown: DGRO -35.1% vs DGRW -32.2%.

Should I hold both DGRO and DGRW?

DGRO and DGRW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between DGRO and DGRW?

DGRO and DGRW share 128 common holdings with a 45.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 447 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DGRO or DGRW?

DGRO yields 1.95% while DGRW yields 1.27%, so DGRO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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