GK vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GK (AdvisorShares Gerber Kawasaki ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. GK is actively managed, while DGRO is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GK returned 18.34%/yr vs 16.92%/yr for DGRO. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GK charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

GK vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in AdvisorShares Gerber Kawasaki ETF (GK) 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, GK achieves a 13.03% return, which is significantly higher than DGRO's 9.19% return.

GK

• 1D: -2.88%
• 1M: 1.29%
• YTD: 13.03%
• 6M: 11.47%
• 1Y: 27.18%
• 3Y*: 18.34%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

GK vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
GK AdvisorShares Gerber Kawasaki ETF	13.03%	17.78%	20.10%	21.19%	-42.76%	4.61%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	9.19%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	10.79%

Correlation

The correlation between GK and DGRO is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 2, 2021	0.66

Over the past year, the correlation between GK and DGRO has dropped to 0.45 - well below their long-term average of 0.66, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

GK vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GK	DGRO
Technology	37.9%	22.0%
Industrials	16.9%	10.4%
Communication Services	16.3%	0.1%
Healthcare	8.0%	16.5%
Financial Services	6.9%	20.6%
Utilities	5.2%	6.4%
Consumer Cyclical	2.9%	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	2.1%	11.1%
Basic Materials	-	2.4%
Energy	-	5.1%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

GK vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

GK

GK Risk / Return Rank: 42
GK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
GK Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
GK Omega Ratio Rank: 43
GK Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
GK Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

GK vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for AdvisorShares Gerber Kawasaki ETF (GK) 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.

	GK	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	2.35	-0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.05	3.41	-1.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.42	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.80	3.45	-1.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.74	13.31	-6.57

GK vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GK Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is lower than the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GK 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

GK vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GK drawdown since its inception was -47.72%, which is greater than DGRO's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GK and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	GK	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.72%	-35.10%	-12.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.13%	-6.47%	-8.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.62%	-14.03%	-9.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.31%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.03%	-0.90%	-3.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.77%	-3.43%	-20.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.04%	1.67%	+2.37%

Volatility

GK vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

AdvisorShares Gerber Kawasaki ETF (GK) has a higher volatility of 8.10% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.63%. This indicates that GK'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

	GK	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.10%	2.63%	+5.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.03%	6.94%	+8.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.71%	9.53%	+9.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.02%	13.80%	+10.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.02%	16.60%	+7.42%

GK vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

GK has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

GK vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

GK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.07%, 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%
GK AdvisorShares Gerber Kawasaki ETF	0.07%	0.08%	0.00%	0.13%	1.30%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GK and DGRO in my portfolio?

GK and DGRO have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GK or DGRO?

GK has higher volatility (8.10%) compared to DGRO (2.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GK dropped -47.72% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, GK or DGRO?

On 3-year performance, GK leads with 18.34% vs 16.92% for DGRO. 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, GK or DGRO?

Over the 3-year period, GK has performed better with a 18.34% return vs 16.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GK or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for GK.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 0.07% for GK.

What is the main difference between GK and DGRO?

They also come from different issuers: AdvisorShares and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for GK and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 1.46), 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.