IRBO vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IRBO (iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IRBO is a Robotics fund tracking the NYSE FactSet Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Index, while DGRO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, IRBO returned 14.13%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for DGRO. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IRBO charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

IRBO vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) 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, IRBO achieves a 66.09% return, which is significantly higher than DGRO's 8.76% return.

IRBO

• 1D: -0.90%
• 1M: 26.10%
• YTD: 66.09%
• 6M: 63.47%
• 1Y: 112.42%
• 3Y*: 36.54%
• 5Y*: 14.13%
• 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)

IRBO vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
IRBO iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF	66.09%	29.97%	8.02%	36.37%	-37.89%	6.32%	48.85%	34.47%	-14.31%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	8.76%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	9.50%	29.87%	-1.90%

Correlation

The correlation between IRBO and DGRO is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2018	0.63

Over the past year, the correlation between IRBO and DGRO has dropped to 0.42 - well below their long-term average of 0.63, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IRBO vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IRBO	DGRO
Technology	83.8%	19.4%
Communication Services	5.5%	0.1%
Industrials	4.7%	10.8%
Utilities	3.2%	6.9%
Consumer Cyclical	2.9%	5.7%
Real Estate	1.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	11.5%
Healthcare	0.0%	16.4%
Basic Materials	-	2.5%
Energy	-	5.6%
Financial Services	-	21.2%

Return for Risk

IRBO vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

IRBO

IRBO Risk / Return Rank: 90
IRBO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
IRBO Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
IRBO Omega Ratio Rank: 87
IRBO Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
IRBO Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

IRBO vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) 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.

	IRBO	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.78	2.39	+1.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.13	3.49	+0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.55	1.43	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.01	3.50	+2.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.88	13.52	+7.36
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IRBO vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IRBO Sharpe Ratio is 3.78, which is higher than the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IRBO 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

	IRBO	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.78	2.39	+1.39
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50	0.77	-0.27
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.76	-0.13

Drawdowns

IRBO vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IRBO drawdown since its inception was -54.50%, which is greater than DGRO's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IRBO and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	IRBO	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.50%	-35.10%	-19.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.81%	-6.47%	-12.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.44%	-14.03%	-18.41%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.53%	-19.31%	-31.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.90%	-0.28%	-0.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.85%	-3.44%	-16.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.40%	1.67%	+3.73%

Volatility

IRBO vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF (IRBO) has a higher volatility of 12.01% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.21%. This indicates that IRBO'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

	IRBO	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.01%	2.21%	+9.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.12%	6.91%	+18.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.94%	9.48%	+20.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.58%	13.82%	+14.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.75%	16.62%	+11.13%

IRBO vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

IRBO has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

IRBO vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

IRBO 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%
IRBO iShares Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Multisector ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.50%	0.88%	0.75%	2.41%	0.53%	0.69%	0.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IRBO and DGRO in my portfolio?

IRBO and DGRO have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IRBO or DGRO?

IRBO has higher volatility (12.01%) compared to DGRO (2.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IRBO dropped -54.50% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, IRBO or DGRO?

On 5-year performance, IRBO leads with 14.13% vs 10.54% 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, IRBO or DGRO?

Over the 5-year period, IRBO has performed better with a 14.13% return vs 10.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IRBO or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IRBO.

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

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

What is the main difference between IRBO and DGRO?

IRBO is categorized as Robotics, while DGRO is Large Cap Growth Equities. IRBO tracks NYSE FactSet Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Index, while DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IRBO and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IRBO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.78 vs 2.39), 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.