ACGR vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ACGR (American Century Large Cap Growth ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - ACGR tracks the Russell 1000 Growth Index while DGRO tracks the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ACGR returned 15.34%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for DGRO. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ACGR charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

ACGR vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Large Cap Growth ETF (ACGR) and iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with ACGR having a 8.73% return and DGRO slightly higher at 8.76%.

ACGR

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 7.07%
• YTD: 8.73%
• 6M: 8.10%
• 1Y: 26.66%
• 3Y*: 21.94%
• 5Y*: 15.34%
• 10Y*: —

DGRO

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 3.14%
• YTD: 8.76%
• 6M: 8.75%
• 1Y: 22.54%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 10.54%
• 10Y*: 13.30%

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

ACGR vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
ACGR American Century Large Cap Growth ETF	8.73%	14.50%	26.66%	43.24%	-30.13%	39.24%	11.27%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	8.76%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	7.83%

Correlation

The correlation between ACGR and DGRO is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 22, 2020	0.58

The correlation between ACGR and DGRO shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.67 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ACGR vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

ACGR

ACGR Risk / Return Rank: 43
ACGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
ACGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
ACGR Omega Ratio Rank: 46
ACGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
ACGR Martin Ratio Rank: 37

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 71
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

ACGR vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Large Cap Growth ETF (ACGR) and iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO). 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.

	ACGR	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.74	2.39	-0.66
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.37	3.49	-1.12
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.43	-0.14
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.71	3.50	-1.79
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.83	13.52	-7.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ACGR vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ACGR Sharpe Ratio is 1.74, which is comparable to the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ACGR and DGRO, 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

	ACGR	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.74	2.39	-0.66
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72	0.77	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.71	0.76	-0.06

Drawdowns

ACGR vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ACGR drawdown since its inception was -34.54%, roughly equal to the maximum DGRO drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ACGR and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	ACGR	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.54%	-35.10%	+0.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.84%	-6.47%	-9.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.58%	-14.03%	-10.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.54%	-19.31%	-15.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.45%	-0.28%	-0.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.50%	-3.44%	-5.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.66%	1.67%	+2.99%

Volatility

ACGR vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

American Century Large Cap Growth ETF (ACGR) has a higher volatility of 3.35% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.21%. This indicates that ACGR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DGRO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ACGR	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.35%	2.21%	+1.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.88%	6.91%	+4.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.43%	9.48%	+5.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.50%	13.82%	+7.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.42%	16.62%	+4.80%

ACGR vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

ACGR has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

ACGR vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

ACGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.09%, less than DGRO's 1.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACGR American Century Large Cap Growth ETF	0.09%	0.11%	0.23%	0.37%	0.48%	0.58%	1.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.96%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ACGR and DGRO in my portfolio?

ACGR and DGRO have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ACGR or DGRO?

ACGR has higher volatility (3.35%) compared to DGRO (2.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ACGR dropped -34.54% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, ACGR or DGRO?

On 5-year performance, ACGR leads with 15.34% vs 10.54% for DGRO. On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 2.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ACGR or DGRO?

Over the 5-year period, ACGR has performed better with a 15.34% return vs 10.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ACGR or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for ACGR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ACGR or DGRO?

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 0.09% for ACGR.

What is the main difference between ACGR and DGRO?

ACGR tracks Russell 1000 Growth Index, while DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: American Century and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for ACGR and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.74), 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.