DGRO vs. RFDA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) and RFDA (RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. DGRO is passively managed, while RFDA is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, DGRO returned 13.62%/yr vs 13.39%/yr for RFDA. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DGRO charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.52%/yr for RFDA.

Performance

DGRO vs. RFDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DGRO achieves a 9.19% return, which is significantly lower than RFDA's 10.77% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DGRO having a 13.62% annualized return and RFDA not far behind at 13.39%.

DGRO

• 1D: 0.32%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 9.19%
• 6M: 8.52%
• 1Y: 22.22%
• 3Y*: 16.92%
• 5Y*: 11.00%
• 10Y*: 13.62%

RFDA

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.36%
• YTD: 10.77%
• 6M: 9.90%
• 1Y: 26.59%
• 3Y*: 18.80%
• 5Y*: 12.89%
• 10Y*: 13.39%

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

DGRO vs. RFDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	9.19%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	9.50%	29.87%	-2.38%	23.00%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	10.77%	16.42%	20.12%	16.98%	-8.58%	25.94%	11.26%	27.15%	-9.27%	19.86%

Correlation

The correlation between DGRO and RFDA 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	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 7, 2016	0.85

The correlation between DGRO and RFDA shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (1 year) to 0.85 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DGRO vs. RFDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DGRO	RFDA
Technology	22.0%	21.1%
Financial Services	20.6%	14.4%
Healthcare	16.5%	9.7%
Consumer Defensive	11.1%	7.0%
Industrials	10.4%	8.6%
Utilities	6.4%	4.8%
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	7.4%
Energy	5.1%	11.7%
Basic Materials	2.4%	1.9%
Communication Services	0.1%	8.3%
Real Estate	-	4.9%

Return for Risk

DGRO vs. RFDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 75
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 75
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 73

RFDA

RFDA Risk / Return Rank: 81
RFDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
RFDA Omega Ratio Rank: 78
RFDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
RFDA Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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. RFDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) and RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA). 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	RFDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	2.28	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.41	3.14	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.42	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.45	4.90	-1.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.31	17.52	-4.21

DGRO vs. RFDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DGRO Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is comparable to the RFDA Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DGRO and RFDA, 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. RFDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DGRO drawdown since its inception was -35.10%, roughly equal to the maximum RFDA drawdown of -34.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DGRO and RFDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DGRO	RFDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.10%	-34.60%	-0.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.47%	-5.45%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.03%	-19.35%	+5.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.31%	-19.35%	+0.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.10%	-34.60%	-0.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-1.67%	+0.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.43%	-3.73%	+0.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.67%	1.52%	+0.15%

Volatility

DGRO vs. RFDA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is 2.63%, while RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) has a volatility of 3.29%. This indicates that DGRO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RFDA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DGRO	RFDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.63%	3.29%	-0.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.94%	8.77%	-1.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.53%	11.72%	-2.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.80%	15.75%	-1.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.60%	16.87%	-0.27%

DGRO vs. RFDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DGRO has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than RFDA's 0.52% expense ratio.

Dividends

DGRO vs. RFDA - Dividend Comparison

DGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.97%, more than RFDA's 1.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.97%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%
RFDA RiverFront Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF	1.80%	1.89%	2.23%	2.68%	3.57%	1.44%	1.62%	1.87%	2.44%	1.90%	0.98%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DGRO and RFDA in my portfolio?

DGRO and RFDA 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 RFDA?

RFDA has higher volatility (3.29%) compared to DGRO (2.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DGRO dropped -35.10% vs RFDA's -34.60%.

Which ETF is better, DGRO or RFDA?

On 10-year performance, DGRO leads with 13.62% vs 13.39% for RFDA. On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 2.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DGRO or RFDA?

Over the 10-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 13.62% return vs 13.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DGRO or RFDA?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.52% for RFDA.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 1.80% for RFDA.

What is the main difference between DGRO and RFDA?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for DGRO and 0.52% for RFDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 2.28), 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.