IESGX vs. GDGIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IESGX (Sit ESG Growth Fund) and GDGIX (Sit Global Dividend Growth Fund) are both Global Equities funds from Sit. Over the past 5 years, IESGX returned 10.82%/yr vs 10.99%/yr for GDGIX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 1.00% expense ratio.

Performance

IESGX vs. GDGIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sit ESG Growth Fund (IESGX) and Sit Global Dividend Growth Fund (GDGIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IESGX achieves a 5.86% return, which is significantly lower than GDGIX's 8.32% return.

IESGX

• 1D: 0.83%
• 1M: -0.50%
• YTD: 5.86%
• 6M: 6.10%
• 1Y: 20.79%
• 3Y*: 17.31%
• 5Y*: 10.82%
• 10Y*: —

GDGIX

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 0.38%
• YTD: 8.32%
• 6M: 8.60%
• 1Y: 21.66%
• 3Y*: 16.86%
• 5Y*: 10.99%
• 10Y*: 11.81%

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

IESGX vs. GDGIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IESGX Sit ESG Growth Fund	5.86%	19.65%	19.59%	26.67%	-21.08%	19.93%	15.91%	26.41%	-7.38%	23.71%
GDGIX Sit Global Dividend Growth Fund	8.32%	16.68%	16.80%	23.12%	-18.05%	23.59%	16.01%	26.70%	-9.65%	19.75%

Correlation

The correlation between IESGX and GDGIX is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 6, 2016	0.97

The correlation between IESGX and GDGIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IESGX vs. GDGIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IESGX

IESGX Risk / Return Rank: 37
IESGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
IESGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
IESGX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
IESGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
IESGX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

GDGIX

GDGIX Risk / Return Rank: 47
GDGIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
GDGIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
GDGIX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
GDGIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
GDGIX Martin Ratio Rank: 58

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.

IESGX vs. GDGIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sit ESG Growth Fund (IESGX) and Sit Global Dividend Growth Fund (GDGIX). 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.

	IESGX	GDGIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.61	1.78	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.30	2.48	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.32	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.10	2.64	-0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.82	11.00	-2.18

IESGX vs. GDGIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IESGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.61, which is comparable to the GDGIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IESGX and GDGIX, 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

IESGX vs. GDGIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IESGX drawdown since its inception was -32.15%, smaller than the maximum GDGIX drawdown of -33.91%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IESGX and GDGIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IESGX	GDGIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.15%	-33.91%	+1.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.65%	-8.12%	-1.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.86%	-14.69%	-1.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.64%	-26.60%	-3.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.91%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.18%	-2.20%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.06%	-4.58%	-0.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.30%	1.94%	+0.36%

Volatility

IESGX vs. GDGIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Sit ESG Growth Fund (IESGX) is 4.06%, while Sit Global Dividend Growth Fund (GDGIX) has a volatility of 4.48%. This indicates that IESGX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDGIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IESGX	GDGIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.06%	4.48%	-0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.15%	9.70%	+0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.58%	12.05%	+0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	15.17%	+1.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.76%	16.43%	+0.33%

IESGX vs. GDGIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both IESGX and GDGIX have an expense ratio of 1.00%.

Dividends

IESGX vs. GDGIX - Dividend Comparison

IESGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.12%, less than GDGIX's 1.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GDGIX Sit Global Dividend Growth Fund	1.26%	1.38%	2.47%	1.03%	1.11%	0.69%	1.03%	1.59%	1.93%	1.50%	2.11%	9.52%
IESGX Sit ESG Growth Fund	1.12%	1.19%	0.06%	0.77%	3.29%	1.43%	0.58%	1.54%	1.41%	0.91%	0.21%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IESGX and GDGIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, IESGX and GDGIX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IESGX or GDGIX?

GDGIX has higher volatility (4.48%) compared to IESGX (4.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IESGX dropped -32.15% vs GDGIX's -33.91%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDGIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.61), 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.