FV vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

FV (First Trust Dorsey Wright Focus 5 ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - FV tracks the Dorsey Wright Focus Five Index while DGRO tracks the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FV returned 13.39%/yr vs 13.64%/yr for DGRO. A 0.76 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FV charges 0.87%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

FV vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dorsey Wright Focus 5 ETF (FV) 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, FV achieves a 15.29% return, which is significantly higher than DGRO's 9.37% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FV having a 13.39% annualized return and DGRO not far ahead at 13.64%.

FV

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 1.47%
• YTD: 15.29%
• 6M: 13.53%
• 1Y: 24.72%
• 3Y*: 17.39%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 13.39%

DGRO

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.96%
• YTD: 9.37%
• 6M: 8.18%
• 1Y: 21.50%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 10.89%
• 10Y*: 13.64%

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

FV vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FV First Trust Dorsey Wright Focus 5 ETF	15.29%	7.23%	14.73%	11.34%	-3.93%	21.63%	28.36%	25.73%	-8.27%	19.97%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	9.37%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	9.50%	29.87%	-2.38%	23.00%

Correlation

The correlation between FV and DGRO is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.72
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2014	0.76

The correlation between FV and DGRO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.76 - a consistent structural relationship.

FV vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FV	DGRO
Energy	34.8%	5.1%
Technology	23.5%	22.0%
Healthcare	20.5%	16.5%
Financial Services	19.8%	20.6%
Industrials	13.9%	10.4%
Consumer Cyclical	7.4%	5.4%
Communication Services	6.3%	0.1%
Real Estate	0.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	2.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	11.1%
Utilities	-	6.4%

Return for Risk

FV vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

FV

FV Risk / Return Rank: 46
FV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
FV Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
FV Omega Ratio Rank: 47
FV Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
FV Martin Ratio Rank: 46

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 78
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

FV vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dorsey Wright Focus 5 ETF (FV) 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.

	FV	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	2.28	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.10	3.32	-1.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.41	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	3.34	-1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.87	12.88	-6.01

FV vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FV Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is lower than the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FV 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

FV vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FV drawdown since its inception was -34.04%, roughly equal to the maximum DGRO drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FV and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	FV	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.04%	-35.10%	+1.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.45%	-6.47%	-6.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.08%	-14.03%	-9.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.08%	-19.31%	-3.77%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.04%	-35.10%	+1.06%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.48%	-0.74%	-1.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.81%	-3.43%	-2.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.61%	1.67%	+1.94%

Volatility

FV vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Dorsey Wright Focus 5 ETF (FV) has a higher volatility of 6.63% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.48%. This indicates that FV'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

	FV	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.63%	2.48%	+4.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.62%	6.94%	+6.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.16%	9.51%	+6.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.91%	13.79%	+7.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.47%	16.59%	+4.88%

FV vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

FV has a 0.87% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FV vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

FV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.53%, less than DGRO's 1.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.96%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%
FV First Trust Dorsey Wright Focus 5 ETF	0.53%	0.63%	0.14%	0.47%	1.38%	0.11%	0.06%	0.56%	0.19%	0.67%	0.95%	0.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FV and DGRO in my portfolio?

FV and DGRO have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FV or DGRO?

FV has higher volatility (6.63%) compared to DGRO (2.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FV dropped -34.04% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, FV or DGRO?

On 10-year performance, DGRO leads with 13.64% vs 13.39% for FV. On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 2.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FV or DGRO?

Over the 10-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 13.64% return vs 13.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FV or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.87% for FV.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 0.53% for FV.

What is the main difference between FV and DGRO?

FV tracks Dorsey Wright Focus Five Index, while DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.87% for FV and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.54), 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.