DFGX vs. BGRN

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

DFGX (Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF) and BGRN (iShares USD Green Bond ETF) are both Global Bonds funds. DFGX is actively managed, while BGRN is passively managed. Over the past year, DFGX returned 1.91% vs 2.40% for BGRN. Their 0.71 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. Both charge a 0.20% expense ratio.

Performance

DFGX vs. BGRN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) and iShares USD Green Bond ETF (BGRN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFGX achieves a 0.87% return, which is significantly higher than BGRN's 0.06% return.

DFGX

• 1D: 0.38%
• 1M: -0.67%
• 6M: 0.17%
• YTD: 0.87%
• 1Y: 1.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 4.79%

BGRN

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -0.80%
• 6M: -0.08%
• YTD: 0.06%
• 1Y: 2.40%
• 3Y*: 4.66%
• 5Y*: -0.05%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 2.15%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
BGRN iShares USD Green Bond ETF	$2.23M	$1.72M	$1.61M
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	$7.93M	$8.08M	$8.45M

DFGX vs. BGRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	0.87%	3.46%	3.75%	4.95%
BGRN iShares USD Green Bond ETF	0.06%	7.27%	2.77%	5.62%

Correlation

The correlation between DFGX and BGRN is 0.77, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 8, 2023	0.71

The correlation between DFGX and BGRN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFGX vs. BGRN — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

DFGX

DFGX Risk / Return Rank: 21
DFGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
DFGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
DFGX Omega Ratio Rank: 19
DFGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
DFGX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

BGRN

BGRN Risk / Return Rank: 32
BGRN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
BGRN Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
BGRN Omega Ratio Rank: 30
BGRN Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
BGRN Martin Ratio Rank: 34

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

DFGX vs. BGRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) and iShares USD Green Bond ETF (BGRN). 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.

	DFGX	BGRN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.46	0.83	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.69	1.23	-0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.14	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.58	1.08	-0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.57	3.22	-1.65

DFGX vs. BGRN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFGX Sharpe Ratio is 0.46, which is lower than the BGRN Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFGX and BGRN, 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

DFGX vs. BGRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFGX drawdown since its inception was -3.32%, smaller than the maximum BGRN drawdown of -19.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGX and BGRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFGX	BGRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.32%	-19.16%	+15.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.32%	-2.23%	-1.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-3.68%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.73%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.27%	-1.21%	-0.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.79%	-5.68%	+4.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.22%	0.75%	+0.47%

Volatility

DFGX vs. BGRN - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) has a higher volatility of 1.12% compared to iShares USD Green Bond ETF (BGRN) at 0.72%. This indicates that DFGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BGRN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFGX	BGRN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.12%	0.72%	+0.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.54%	2.39%	+1.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.15%	2.89%	+1.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.61%	5.46%	-0.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.61%	4.96%	-0.35%

DFGX vs. BGRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DFGX and BGRN have an expense ratio of 0.20%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFGX vs. BGRN - Dividend Comparison

DFGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.12%, less than BGRN's 4.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
BGRN iShares USD Green Bond ETF	4.35%	4.21%	4.07%	3.52%	2.66%	0.78%	1.82%	3.66%	0.21%
DFGX Dimensional Global Ex US Core Fixed Income ETF	4.12%	2.84%	4.61%	0.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFGX and BGRN in my portfolio?

DFGX and BGRN have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFGX or BGRN?

DFGX has higher volatility (1.12%) compared to BGRN (0.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFGX dropped -3.32% vs BGRN's -19.16%.

Which ETF is better, DFGX or BGRN?

On 1-year performance, BGRN leads with 2.40% vs 1.91% for DFGX. Both ETFs have the same 0.20% expense ratio. On volatility, BGRN has been the lower-risk option at 0.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFGX or BGRN?

Over the 1-year period, BGRN has performed better with a 2.40% return vs 1.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFGX or BGRN?

DFGX and BGRN have the same expense ratio: 0.20% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DFGX or BGRN?

BGRN has the higher dividend yield at 4.35%, compared with 4.12% for DFGX.

What is the main difference between DFGX and BGRN?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and iShares.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BGRN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.83 vs 0.46), 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.