IGRO vs. HDEF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IGRO (iShares International Dividend Growth ETF) and HDEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IGRO tracks the Morningstar Global ex-US Dividend Growth Index (Net) while HDEF tracks the MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield US Dollar Hedged Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IGRO returned 8.49%/yr vs 8.59%/yr for HDEF. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGRO charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for HDEF.

Performance

IGRO vs. HDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) and Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGRO achieves a 5.91% return, which is significantly higher than HDEF's 3.99% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IGRO having a 8.49% annualized return and HDEF not far ahead at 8.59%.

IGRO

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: 0.87%
• YTD: 5.91%
• 6M: 8.22%
• 1Y: 13.91%
• 3Y*: 15.21%
• 5Y*: 7.30%
• 10Y*: 8.49%

HDEF

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: -1.35%
• YTD: 3.99%
• 6M: 6.18%
• 1Y: 15.90%
• 3Y*: 16.39%
• 5Y*: 9.83%
• 10Y*: 8.59%

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

IGRO vs. HDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGRO iShares International Dividend Growth ETF	5.91%	25.03%	7.78%	15.38%	-12.72%	9.94%	7.71%	26.13%	-14.86%	24.64%
HDEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF	3.99%	33.01%	2.85%	18.53%	-2.51%	6.95%	-1.90%	25.02%	-13.74%	9.89%

Correlation

The correlation between IGRO and HDEF is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.84
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.75
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 20, 2016	0.75

The correlation between IGRO and HDEF shifts across timeframes, from 0.75 (all time) to 0.87 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IGRO vs. HDEF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGRO	HDEF
Financial Services	32.0%	26.9%
Industrials	14.8%	8.8%
Healthcare	12.6%	14.0%
Consumer Defensive	10.1%	17.9%
Technology	7.8%	0.6%
Utilities	7.3%	8.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	3.9%
Basic Materials	3.6%	0.7%
Energy	2.6%	13.8%
Communication Services	1.9%	4.0%
Real Estate	0.6%	0.9%

Return for Risk

IGRO vs. HDEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGRO

IGRO Risk / Return Rank: 30
IGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
IGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
IGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 30
IGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
IGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 34

HDEF

HDEF Risk / Return Rank: 38
HDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
HDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
HDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 37
HDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
HDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

IGRO vs. HDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) and Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF). 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.

	IGRO	HDEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.12	1.37	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	1.94	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.25	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.40	1.99	-0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.22	6.16	-0.94
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IGRO vs. HDEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGRO Sharpe Ratio is 1.12, which is comparable to the HDEF Sharpe Ratio of 1.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGRO and HDEF, 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

	IGRO	HDEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.12	1.37	-0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.70	-0.17
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	0.53	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.45	+0.08

Drawdowns

IGRO vs. HDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGRO drawdown since its inception was -36.25%, roughly equal to the maximum HDEF drawdown of -36.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGRO and HDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGRO	HDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.25%	-36.43%	+0.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.00%	-8.03%	-1.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.13%	-11.15%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	-23.63%	-2.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.25%	-36.43%	+0.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.75%	-5.69%	+2.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.68%	-5.04%	-0.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	2.59%	+0.08%

Volatility

IGRO vs. HDEF - Volatility Comparison

iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) and Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) have volatilities of 3.60% and 3.75%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGRO	HDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.60%	3.75%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.38%	9.20%	+1.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.46%	11.67%	+0.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.92%	14.14%	-0.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.86%	16.24%	+0.62%

IGRO vs. HDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGRO has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than HDEF's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IGRO vs. HDEF - Dividend Comparison

IGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.41%, less than HDEF's 3.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HDEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF	3.65%	3.88%	4.53%	4.38%	5.41%	4.76%	3.93%	4.20%	3.55%	3.38%	9.53%	1.87%
IGRO iShares International Dividend Growth ETF	2.41%	2.51%	2.44%	2.79%	2.69%	2.27%	2.41%	2.65%	2.97%	2.43%	1.18%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGRO and HDEF in my portfolio?

IGRO and HDEF have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGRO or HDEF?

HDEF has higher volatility (3.75%) compared to IGRO (3.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGRO dropped -36.25% vs HDEF's -36.43%.

Which ETF is better, IGRO or HDEF?

On 10-year performance, HDEF leads with 8.59% vs 8.49% for IGRO. On fees, IGRO is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, IGRO has been the lower-risk option at 3.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGRO or HDEF?

Over the 10-year period, HDEF has performed better with a 8.59% return vs 8.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGRO or HDEF?

IGRO is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for HDEF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IGRO or HDEF?

HDEF has the higher dividend yield at 3.65%, compared with 2.41% for IGRO.

What is the main difference between IGRO and HDEF?

IGRO tracks Morningstar Global ex-US Dividend Growth Index (Net), while HDEF tracks MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield US Dollar Hedged Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Deutsche Bank. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IGRO and 0.20% for HDEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

HDEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 1.12), 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.