FDG vs. DGRO

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

FDG (American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. FDG is actively managed, while DGRO is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FDG returned 8.96%/yr vs 11.08%/yr for DGRO. Their 0.57 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. FDG charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

FDG vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDG achieves a 0.10% return, which is significantly lower than DGRO's 13.39% return.

FDG

• 1D: 3.17%
• 1M: -3.88%
• 6M: 0.24%
• YTD: 0.10%
• 1Y: 14.28%
• 3Y*: 22.99%
• 5Y*: 8.96%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 21.05%

DGRO

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 0.97%
• 6M: 9.59%
• YTD: 13.39%
• 1Y: 24.21%
• 3Y*: 16.30%
• 5Y*: 11.08%
• 10Y*: 13.44%
• ALL TIME*: 12.47%

*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)
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	$103.52M	$104.25M	$110.17M
FDG American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF	$1.83M	$1.61M	$2.38M

FDG vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
FDG American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF	0.10%	22.13%	45.89%	37.22%	-35.74%	8.52%	96.27%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	13.39%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	46.66%

Correlation

The correlation between FDG and DGRO is 0.31, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.47
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 2020	0.57

Over the past year, the correlation between FDG and DGRO has dropped to 0.31 - well below their long-term average of 0.57, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FDG vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDG	DGRO
Technology	39.9%	17.3%
Communication Services	24.5%	0.1%
Consumer Cyclical	16.8%	6.5%
Healthcare	9.2%	17.9%
Industrials	5.5%	11.3%
Financial Services	3.5%	20.4%
Energy	0.6%	4.8%
Utilities	0.1%	7.3%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	11.9%
Basic Materials	-	2.5%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

FDG vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDG

FDG Risk / Return Rank: 24
FDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
FDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
FDG Omega Ratio Rank: 23
FDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
FDG Martin Ratio Rank: 26

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 91
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 93
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 92
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

FDG vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) 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.

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.

	FDG	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.55	2.44	-1.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.87	3.55	-2.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.45	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.71	3.61	-2.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.06	14.07	-12.01

FDG vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDG Sharpe Ratio is 0.55, which is lower than the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDG 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.

Drawdowns

FDG vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDG drawdown since its inception was -43.69%, which is greater than DGRO's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDG and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDG	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.69%	-35.10%	-8.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.71%	-6.47%	-9.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.14%	-14.03%	-12.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-43.69%	-19.31%	-24.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.82%	-1.35%	-8.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.27%	-3.41%	-9.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.45%	1.66%	+3.79%

Volatility

FDG vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF (FDG) has a higher volatility of 7.67% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 3.21%. This indicates that FDG'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

	FDG	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.67%	3.21%	+4.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.13%	7.12%	+10.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.59%	9.61%	+10.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.09%	13.79%	+11.30%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.99%	16.58%	+8.41%

FDG vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDG has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDG vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

FDG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.89%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.89%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%
FDG American Century Focused Dynamic Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.01%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDG and DGRO in my portfolio?

FDG and DGRO have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDG or DGRO?

FDG has higher volatility (7.67%) compared to DGRO (3.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDG dropped -43.69% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, FDG or DGRO?

On 5-year performance, DGRO leads with 11.08% vs 8.96% for FDG. On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 3.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDG or DGRO?

Over the 5-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 11.08% return vs 8.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDG or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FDG.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.89%, compared with 0.00% for FDG.

What is the main difference between FDG and DGRO?

They also come from different issuers: American Century and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FDG and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 0.55), 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.