FTDS vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FTDS (First Trust Dividend Strength ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FTDS is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Dividend Strength Index, while DGRO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTDS returned 11.06%/yr vs 13.62%/yr for DGRO. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTDS charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

FTDS vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) 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, FTDS achieves a 7.13% return, which is significantly lower than DGRO's 9.19% return. Over the past 10 years, FTDS has underperformed DGRO with an annualized return of 11.06%, while DGRO has yielded a comparatively higher 13.62% annualized return.

FTDS

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: -0.24%
• YTD: 7.13%
• 6M: 6.12%
• 1Y: 18.68%
• 3Y*: 16.11%
• 5Y*: 6.66%
• 10Y*: 11.06%

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%

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

FTDS vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	7.13%	13.64%	11.12%	11.75%	-13.54%	24.79%	14.16%	24.29%	-10.35%	20.07%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between FTDS and DGRO is 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.85
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2014	0.70

The correlation between FTDS and DGRO shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (all time) to 0.85 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTDS vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTDS	DGRO
Financial Services	28.4%	20.6%
Industrials	19.6%	10.4%
Energy	19.6%	5.1%
Technology	9.4%	22.0%
Healthcare	9.3%	16.5%
Basic Materials	8.5%	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	3.4%	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	1.8%	11.1%
Communication Services	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	6.4%

Return for Risk

FTDS vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTDS

FTDS Risk / Return Rank: 48
FTDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
FTDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
FTDS Omega Ratio Rank: 42
FTDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FTDS Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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

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.

FTDS vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) 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.

	FTDS	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	2.35	-0.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.17	3.41	-1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.42	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.85	3.45	-0.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.28	13.31	-6.03

FTDS vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is lower than the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTDS 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

FTDS vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTDS drawdown since its inception was -56.53%, which is greater than DGRO's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTDS and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTDS	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.53%	-35.10%	-21.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.57%	-6.47%	-0.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	-14.03%	-4.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.35%	-19.31%	-4.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.47%	-35.10%	-7.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.94%	-0.90%	-3.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.85%	-3.43%	-6.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	1.67%	+0.90%

Volatility

FTDS vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Dividend Strength ETF (FTDS) has a higher volatility of 3.16% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.63%. This indicates that FTDS'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

	FTDS	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.16%	2.63%	+0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.69%	6.94%	+1.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.03%	9.53%	+3.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.63%	13.80%	+3.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.13%	16.60%	+3.53%

FTDS vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTDS has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTDS vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

FTDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.65%, less than DGRO's 1.97% 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%
FTDS First Trust Dividend Strength ETF	1.65%	1.59%	2.05%	2.15%	2.31%	0.72%	0.99%	1.13%	1.14%	0.79%	1.24%	0.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTDS and DGRO in my portfolio?

FTDS and DGRO have a correlation of 0.80, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTDS or DGRO?

FTDS has higher volatility (3.16%) compared to DGRO (2.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTDS dropped -56.53% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, FTDS or DGRO?

On 10-year performance, DGRO leads with 13.62% vs 11.06% for FTDS. 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, FTDS or DGRO?

Over the 10-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 13.62% return vs 11.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTDS or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for FTDS.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 1.65% for FTDS.

What is the main difference between FTDS and DGRO?

FTDS is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while DGRO is Large Cap Growth Equities. FTDS tracks Dividend Strength Index, while DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for FTDS and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 1.44), 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.