HFGO vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HFGO (Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. HFGO is actively managed, while DGRO is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, HFGO returned 26.77%/yr vs 16.99%/yr for DGRO. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HFGO charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

HFGO vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) 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, HFGO achieves a 11.58% return, which is significantly higher than DGRO's 8.76% return.

HFGO

• 1D: -1.26%
• 1M: 8.28%
• YTD: 11.58%
• 6M: 10.04%
• 1Y: 30.26%
• 3Y*: 26.77%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DGRO

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 3.14%
• YTD: 8.76%
• 6M: 8.75%
• 1Y: 22.54%
• 3Y*: 16.99%
• 5Y*: 10.54%
• 10Y*: 13.30%

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

HFGO vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
HFGO Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF	11.58%	15.52%	40.73%	42.45%	-36.69%	-5.15%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	8.76%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	3.70%

Correlation

The correlation between HFGO and DGRO is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 11, 2021	0.62

Over the past year, the correlation between HFGO and DGRO has dropped to 0.38 - well below their long-term average of 0.62, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

HFGO vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HFGO	DGRO
Technology	52.0%	19.4%
Communication Services	21.5%	0.1%
Consumer Cyclical	12.9%	5.7%
Healthcare	7.0%	16.4%
Industrials	3.1%	10.8%
Financial Services	2.3%	21.2%
Energy	0.6%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	0.5%	11.5%
Basic Materials	-	2.5%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	6.9%

Return for Risk

HFGO vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

HFGO

HFGO Risk / Return Rank: 42
HFGO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
HFGO Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
HFGO Omega Ratio Rank: 46
HFGO Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
HFGO Martin Ratio Rank: 35

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 71
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

HFGO vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) 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.

	HFGO	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	2.39	-0.70
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	3.49	-1.19
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.43	-0.14
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.66	3.50	-1.84
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.35	13.52	-8.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HFGO vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HFGO Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HFGO 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	HFGO	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	2.39	-0.70
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.77	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.39	0.76	-0.37

Drawdowns

HFGO vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HFGO drawdown since its inception was -44.64%, which is greater than DGRO's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HFGO and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	HFGO	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.64%	-35.10%	-9.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.29%	-6.47%	-11.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.19%	-14.03%	-11.16%
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	-1.36%	-0.28%	-1.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.11%	-3.44%	-12.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.67%	1.67%	+4.00%

Volatility

HFGO vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF (HFGO) has a higher volatility of 4.77% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.21%. This indicates that HFGO'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

	HFGO	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.77%	2.21%	+2.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.91%	6.91%	+7.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.01%	9.48%	+8.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.91%	13.82%	+12.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.91%	16.62%	+9.29%

HFGO vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

HFGO has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

HFGO vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

HFGO has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.96%.

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%
HFGO Hartford Large Cap Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HFGO and DGRO in my portfolio?

HFGO and DGRO have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HFGO or DGRO?

HFGO has higher volatility (4.77%) compared to DGRO (2.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HFGO dropped -44.64% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, HFGO or DGRO?

On 3-year performance, HFGO leads with 26.77% vs 16.99% for DGRO. On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 2.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HFGO or DGRO?

Over the 3-year period, HFGO has performed better with a 26.77% return vs 16.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HFGO or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for HFGO.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.96%, compared with 0.00% for HFGO.

What is the main difference between HFGO and DGRO?

They also come from different issuers: Hartford and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for HFGO and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 1.69), 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.