DGRO vs VIG
DGRO vs VIG
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF vs Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. DGRO delivered stronger 1-year returns. DGRO offers more diversification with 380 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGRO | VIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $42.8B | $110.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.95% | 1.79% | |
| Holdings | 397 | 335 | |
| YTD Return | +13.17% | +9.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.29% | +18.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.11% | +15.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.98% | +10.41% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 13.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -48.2% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2014 | Apr 21, 2006 |
DGRO vs VIG Performance
iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DGRO returned +23.29% while VIG returned +18.03%. Year to date, DGRO is up 13.17% versus a gain of 9.75% for VIG.
Over three years, DGRO compounded at +17.11% per year against +15.83% for VIG; over five years the annualized figures are +10.98% and +10.41% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, DGRO has the edge at +11.11% annualized vs +8.58%. 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 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG. 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 0.98. 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 VIG charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $4 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGRO currently yields 1.95% against 1.79% for VIG.
Holdings Overlap
DGRO and VIG share 231 holdings out of 480 unique holdings combined, representing a 67.6% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DGRO | Weight in VIG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 2.93% | 4.22% | 1.29% |
| AVGO | 2.48% | 4.55% | 2.07% |
| JPM | 3.07% | 3.57% | 0.50% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DGRO shares with VIG Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DGRO or VIG?
DGRO has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VIG charges 0.04%. VIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGRO or VIG?
Over the past year DGRO returned +23.29% vs +18.03% for VIG, so DGRO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), DGRO annualized +11.11% vs +8.58% for VIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGRO or VIG?
DGRO has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: DGRO -35.1% vs VIG -48.2%.
Should I hold both DGRO and VIG?
DGRO and VIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 VIG?
DGRO and VIG share 231 common holdings with a 67.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 480 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGRO or VIG?
DGRO yields 1.95% while VIG yields 1.79%, so DGRO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.