DGRO vs. ACWV

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) and ACWV (iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DGRO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index, while ACWV is a Global Equities fund tracking the MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGRO returned 13.13%/yr vs 6.94%/yr for ACWV. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DGRO charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for ACWV.

Performance

DGRO vs. ACWV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) and iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGRO achieves a 11.48% return, which is significantly higher than ACWV's 3.37% return. Over the past 10 years, DGRO has outperformed ACWV with an annualized return of 13.13%, while ACWV has yielded a comparatively lower 6.94% annualized return.

DGRO

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 2.50%
• 6M: 8.20%
• YTD: 11.48%
• 1Y: 20.92%
• 3Y*: 15.71%
• 5Y*: 10.91%
• 10Y*: 13.13%
• ALL TIME*: 12.34%

ACWV

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 2.00%
• 6M: 2.51%
• YTD: 3.37%
• 1Y: 5.99%
• 3Y*: 9.33%
• 5Y*: 5.45%
• 10Y*: 6.94%
• ALL TIME*: 8.60%

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

DGRO vs. ACWV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	11.48%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	9.50%	29.87%	-2.38%	23.00%
ACWV iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF	3.37%	11.04%	11.38%	8.23%	-10.36%	13.97%	3.04%	21.04%	-1.42%	18.57%

Correlation

The correlation between DGRO and ACWV is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2014	0.84

The correlation between DGRO and ACWV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

DGRO vs. ACWV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DGRO	ACWV
Financial Services	20.4%	13.5%
Healthcare	17.9%	13.8%
Technology	17.3%	25.3%
Consumer Defensive	11.9%	9.7%
Industrials	11.3%	8.1%
Utilities	7.3%	7.5%
Consumer Cyclical	6.5%	5.3%
Energy	4.8%	3.5%
Basic Materials	2.5%	1.5%
Communication Services	0.1%	11.3%
Real Estate	-	0.6%

Return for Risk

DGRO vs. ACWV — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 86
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 87
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 85

ACWV

ACWV Risk / Return Rank: 26
ACWV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
ACWV Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
ACWV Omega Ratio Rank: 25
ACWV Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
ACWV Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

DGRO vs. ACWV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) and iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV). 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.

	DGRO	ACWV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.20	0.75	+1.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.23	1.12	+2.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.14	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.25	0.94	+2.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.53	2.68	+9.85

DGRO vs. ACWV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGRO Sharpe Ratio is 2.20, which is higher than the ACWV Sharpe Ratio of 0.75. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGRO and ACWV, 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

DGRO vs. ACWV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGRO drawdown since its inception was -35.10%, which is greater than ACWV's maximum drawdown of -28.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGRO and ACWV.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGRO	ACWV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.10%	-28.82%	-6.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-6.37%	-0.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.03%	-7.56%	-6.47%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.31%	-18.14%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.10%	-28.82%	-6.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.17%	-1.96%	+0.79%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.41%	-3.11%	-0.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.67%	2.24%	-0.57%

Volatility

DGRO vs. ACWV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is 2.73%, while iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV) has a volatility of 2.99%. This indicates that DGRO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ACWV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGRO	ACWV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.73%	2.99%	-0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.14%	6.26%	+0.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.56%	8.03%	+1.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.78%	10.28%	+3.50%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.58%	12.29%	+4.29%

DGRO vs. ACWV - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGRO has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than ACWV's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DGRO vs. ACWV - Dividend Comparison

DGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.93%, which matches ACWV's 1.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ACWV iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF	1.94%	2.09%	2.33%	2.41%	2.18%	1.92%	1.77%	2.54%	2.32%	2.04%	2.56%	2.28%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.93%	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 DGRO and ACWV in my portfolio?

DGRO and ACWV have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DGRO or ACWV?

ACWV has higher volatility (2.99%) compared to DGRO (2.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGRO dropped -35.10% vs ACWV's -28.82%.

Which ETF is better, DGRO or ACWV?

On 10-year performance, DGRO leads with 13.13% vs 6.94% for ACWV. On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 2.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DGRO or ACWV?

Over the 10-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 13.13% return vs 6.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGRO or ACWV?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for ACWV.

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

DGRO and ACWV have nearly identical dividend yields, around 1.93%.

What is the main difference between DGRO and ACWV?

DGRO is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while ACWV is Global Equities. DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index, while ACWV tracks MSCI ACWI Minimum Volatility Index. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for DGRO and 0.20% for ACWV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 0.75), 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.