HERO vs. DGRO

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

HERO (Global X Video Games & Esports ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds - HERO tracks the Solactive Video Games & Esports Index while DGRO tracks the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HERO returned -3.37%/yr vs 10.85%/yr for DGRO. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HERO charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

HERO vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO) 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, HERO achieves a -15.16% return, which is significantly lower than DGRO's 11.23% return.

HERO

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: 2.41%
• 6M: -17.60%
• YTD: -15.16%
• 1Y: -18.18%
• 3Y*: 7.28%
• 5Y*: -3.37%
• 10Y*: —

DGRO

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: 1.24%
• 6M: 8.84%
• YTD: 11.23%
• 1Y: 20.47%
• 3Y*: 16.57%
• 5Y*: 10.85%
• 10Y*: 13.16%

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

HERO vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
HERO Global X Video Games & Esports ETF	-15.16%	28.74%	17.65%	8.36%	-33.42%	-8.37%	91.02%	9.12%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	11.23%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	9.50%	5.61%

Correlation

The correlation between HERO and DGRO is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2019	0.47

The correlation between HERO and DGRO shifts across timeframes, from 0.35 (1 year) to 0.50 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HERO vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HERO	DGRO
Communication Services	91.6%	0.1%
Technology	7.0%	22.0%
Industrials	1.5%	10.4%
Basic Materials	-	2.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	5.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	11.1%
Energy	-	5.1%
Financial Services	-	20.6%
Healthcare	-	16.5%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	6.4%

Return for Risk

HERO vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

HERO

HERO Risk / Return Rank: 3
HERO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
HERO Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
HERO Omega Ratio Rank: 3
HERO Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
HERO Martin Ratio Rank: 4

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 83
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 83
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

HERO vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO) 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.

	HERO	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.93	2.16	-3.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.21	3.14	-4.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.86	1.39	-0.54
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.59	3.18	-3.77
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.10	12.28	-13.38

HERO vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HERO Sharpe Ratio is -0.93, which is lower than the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HERO 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

HERO vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HERO drawdown since its inception was -54.02%, which is greater than DGRO's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HERO and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	HERO	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.02%	-35.10%	-18.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.78%	-6.47%	-24.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.78%	-14.03%	-16.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.57%	-19.31%	-27.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.61%	-1.39%	-27.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-26.01%	-3.42%	-22.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.63%	1.67%	+14.96%

Volatility

HERO vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

Global X Video Games & Esports ETF (HERO) has a higher volatility of 5.27% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.63%. This indicates that HERO'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

	HERO	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.27%	2.63%	+2.64%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.71%	7.00%	+8.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.63%	9.53%	+10.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.40%	13.80%	+9.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.40%	16.57%	+7.83%

HERO vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

HERO has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

HERO vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

HERO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.84%, less than DGRO's 1.93% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.93%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%
HERO Global X Video Games & Esports ETF	1.84%	1.62%	1.06%	0.73%	0.28%	0.79%	0.71%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HERO and DGRO in my portfolio?

HERO and DGRO have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HERO or DGRO?

HERO has higher volatility (5.27%) compared to DGRO (2.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HERO dropped -54.02% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, HERO or DGRO?

On 5-year performance, DGRO leads with 10.85% vs -3.37% for HERO. 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, HERO or DGRO?

Over the 5-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 10.85% return vs -3.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HERO or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for HERO.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.93%, compared with 1.84% for HERO.

What is the main difference between HERO and DGRO?

HERO tracks Solactive Video Games & Esports Index, while DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for HERO and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs -0.93), 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.