IRTR vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

IRTR (Ishares Lifepath Retirement ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IRTR is a Target Retirement Date fund actively managed by iShares, while DGRO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. IRTR is actively managed, while DGRO is passively managed. Over the past year, IRTR returned 13.84% vs 23.89% for DGRO. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

IRTR vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Ishares Lifepath Retirement ETF (IRTR) 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, IRTR achieves a 5.36% return, which is significantly lower than DGRO's 9.64% return.

IRTR

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 1.82%
• YTD: 5.36%
• 6M: 5.66%
• 1Y: 13.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DGRO

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 3.27%
• YTD: 9.64%
• 6M: 9.87%
• 1Y: 23.89%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 10.72%
• 10Y*: 13.34%

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

IRTR vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IRTR Ishares Lifepath Retirement ETF	5.36%	12.70%	7.59%	10.63%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	9.64%	15.69%	16.62%	10.41%

Correlation

The correlation between IRTR and DGRO is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2023	0.71

The correlation between IRTR and DGRO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.69 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

IRTR vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IRTR	DGRO
Technology	26.8%	19.4%
Financial Services	15.0%	21.2%
Industrials	12.6%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	5.7%
Communication Services	8.0%	0.1%
Healthcare	7.7%	16.4%
Energy	4.9%	5.6%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	11.5%
Utilities	4.3%	6.9%
Basic Materials	3.8%	2.5%
Real Estate	3.5%	-

Return for Risk

IRTR vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

IRTR

IRTR Risk / Return Rank: 70
IRTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
IRTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
IRTR Omega Ratio Rank: 76
IRTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
IRTR Martin Ratio Rank: 69

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 78
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 78
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

IRTR vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Ishares Lifepath Retirement ETF (IRTR) 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.

	IRTR	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.32	2.53	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	3.68	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.46	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.88	3.71	-0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.70	14.33	-1.63
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IRTR vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IRTR Sharpe Ratio is 2.32, which is comparable to the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IRTR 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

	IRTR	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.32	2.53	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.81	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.02	0.77	+1.25

Drawdowns

IRTR vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IRTR drawdown since its inception was -6.29%, smaller than the maximum DGRO drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IRTR and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	IRTR	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.29%	-35.10%	+28.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.82%	-6.47%	+1.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.03%	—
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	-0.20%	0.00%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.78%	-3.44%	+2.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.09%	1.67%	-0.58%

Volatility

IRTR vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Ishares Lifepath Retirement ETF (IRTR) is 2.12%, while iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) has a volatility of 2.24%. This indicates that IRTR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DGRO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IRTR	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.12%	2.24%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.85%	6.94%	-2.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	6.00%	9.49%	-3.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	7.03%	13.82%	-6.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	7.03%	16.62%	-9.59%

IRTR vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both IRTR and DGRO have an expense ratio of 0.08%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

IRTR vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

IRTR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.99%, more than DGRO's 1.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.94%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%
IRTR Ishares Lifepath Retirement ETF	2.99%	3.03%	3.03%	0.85%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IRTR and DGRO in my portfolio?

IRTR and DGRO have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IRTR or DGRO?

DGRO has higher volatility (2.24%) compared to IRTR (2.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IRTR dropped -6.29% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, IRTR or DGRO?

On 1-year performance, DGRO leads with 23.89% vs 13.84% for IRTR. Both ETFs have the same 0.08% expense ratio. On volatility, IRTR has been the lower-risk option at 2.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IRTR or DGRO?

Over the 1-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 23.89% return vs 13.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IRTR or DGRO?

IRTR and DGRO have the same expense ratio: 0.08% per year.

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

IRTR has the higher dividend yield at 2.99%, compared with 1.94% for DGRO.

What is the main difference between IRTR and DGRO?

IRTR is categorized as Target Retirement Date, while DGRO is Large Cap Growth Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 2.32), 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.