IGRO vs. MFDX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IGRO (iShares International Dividend Growth ETF) and MFDX (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - IGRO tracks the Morningstar Global ex-US Dividend Growth Index (Net) while MFDX tracks the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IGRO returned 7.30%/yr vs 9.92%/yr for MFDX. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IGRO charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for MFDX.

Performance

IGRO vs. MFDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX). 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 lower than MFDX's 9.73% return.

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%

MFDX

• 1D: -0.55%
• 1M: 2.31%
• YTD: 9.73%
• 6M: 12.33%
• 1Y: 23.13%
• 3Y*: 18.62%
• 5Y*: 9.92%
• 10Y*: —

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

IGRO vs. MFDX - 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%	6.46%
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	9.73%	34.27%	4.40%	17.54%	-10.27%	11.07%	6.90%	19.88%	-14.88%	7.02%

Correlation

The correlation between IGRO and MFDX is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 7, 2017	0.87

The correlation between IGRO and MFDX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

IGRO vs. MFDX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGRO	MFDX
Financial Services	32.0%	16.4%
Industrials	14.8%	19.9%
Healthcare	12.6%	6.0%
Consumer Defensive	10.1%	8.0%
Technology	7.8%	7.1%
Utilities	7.3%	6.4%
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	8.6%
Basic Materials	3.6%	10.8%
Energy	2.6%	6.8%
Communication Services	1.9%	7.0%
Real Estate	0.6%	3.0%

Return for Risk

IGRO vs. MFDX — 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

MFDX

MFDX Risk / Return Rank: 48
MFDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
MFDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
MFDX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
MFDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
MFDX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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. MFDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) and PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX). 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	MFDX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.12	1.70	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	2.38	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.31	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.40	2.18	-0.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.22	8.66	-3.44
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. MFDX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGRO Sharpe Ratio is 1.12, which is lower than the MFDX Sharpe Ratio of 1.70. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGRO and MFDX, 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	MFDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.12	1.70	-0.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53	0.66	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.54	-0.01

Drawdowns

IGRO vs. MFDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGRO drawdown since its inception was -36.25%, roughly equal to the maximum MFDX drawdown of -36.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGRO and MFDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGRO	MFDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.25%	-36.05%	-0.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.00%	-10.66%	+0.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.13%	-11.62%	+0.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	-25.58%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.75%	-1.84%	-0.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.68%	-6.50%	+0.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	2.68%	-0.01%

Volatility

IGRO vs. MFDX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) is 3.60%, while PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) has a volatility of 4.45%. This indicates that IGRO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MFDX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGRO	MFDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.60%	4.45%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.38%	11.34%	-0.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.46%	13.73%	-1.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.92%	15.03%	-1.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.86%	16.41%	+0.45%

IGRO vs. MFDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGRO has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than MFDX's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGRO vs. MFDX - Dividend Comparison

IGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.41%, less than MFDX's 2.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	2.79%	2.97%	3.16%	3.12%	2.85%	2.99%	1.58%	2.88%	2.13%	0.71%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGRO and MFDX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, IGRO and MFDX 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, IGRO or MFDX?

MFDX has higher volatility (4.45%) compared to IGRO (3.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGRO dropped -36.25% vs MFDX's -36.05%.

Which ETF is better, IGRO or MFDX?

On 5-year performance, MFDX leads with 9.92% vs 7.30% 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 MFDX?

Over the 5-year period, MFDX has performed better with a 9.92% return vs 7.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGRO or MFDX?

IGRO is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for MFDX.

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

MFDX has the higher dividend yield at 2.79%, compared with 2.41% for IGRO.

What is the main difference between IGRO and MFDX?

IGRO tracks Morningstar Global ex-US Dividend Growth Index (Net), while MFDX tracks RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and PIMCO. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for IGRO and 0.39% for MFDX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 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.