ISCG vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

ISCG (iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISCG is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Small Cap Broad Growth Extended Index, while DGRO is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ISCG returned 12.03%/yr vs 13.58%/yr for DGRO. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ISCG charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

ISCG vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) 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, ISCG achieves a 15.33% return, which is significantly higher than DGRO's 8.84% return. Over the past 10 years, ISCG has underperformed DGRO with an annualized return of 12.03%, while DGRO has yielded a comparatively higher 13.58% annualized return.

ISCG

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 3.57%
• YTD: 15.33%
• 6M: 11.70%
• 1Y: 33.36%
• 3Y*: 17.90%
• 5Y*: 5.29%
• 10Y*: 12.03%

DGRO

• 1D: 0.08%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 8.84%
• 6M: 8.25%
• 1Y: 22.81%
• 3Y*: 16.80%
• 5Y*: 11.08%
• 10Y*: 13.58%

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

ISCG vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISCG iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF	15.33%	12.88%	13.35%	23.13%	-26.75%	-1.26%	43.41%	27.66%	-6.91%	24.68%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	8.84%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	-7.91%	26.64%	9.50%	29.87%	-2.38%	23.00%

Correlation

The correlation between ISCG and DGRO is 0.70, 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	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2014	0.73

The correlation between ISCG and DGRO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.77 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISCG vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISCG	DGRO
Industrials	24.4%	10.4%
Technology	22.0%	22.0%
Healthcare	16.8%	16.5%
Financial Services	9.9%	20.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	5.4%
Real Estate	4.8%	-
Energy	3.3%	5.1%
Basic Materials	3.2%	2.4%
Communication Services	2.8%	0.1%
Consumer Defensive	2.7%	11.1%
Utilities	1.1%	6.4%

Return for Risk

ISCG vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISCG

ISCG Risk / Return Rank: 56
ISCG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
ISCG Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
ISCG Omega Ratio Rank: 49
ISCG Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
ISCG Martin Ratio Rank: 64

DGRO

DGRO Risk / Return Rank: 77
DGRO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
DGRO Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
DGRO Omega Ratio Rank: 77
DGRO Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DGRO Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

ISCG vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) 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.

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.

	ISCG	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	2.40	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	3.49	-0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.43	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	3.54	-0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.16	13.67	-2.51

ISCG vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISCG Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISCG 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.

Drawdowns

ISCG vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISCG drawdown since its inception was -57.72%, which is greater than DGRO's maximum drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISCG and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISCG	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.72%	-35.10%	-22.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.43%	-6.47%	-4.96%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.71%	-14.03%	-12.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.80%	-19.31%	-18.49%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.48%	-35.10%	-6.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.21%	+1.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.61%	-3.43%	-8.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.00%	1.67%	+1.33%

Volatility

ISCG vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (ISCG) has a higher volatility of 5.78% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.64%. This indicates that ISCG'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

	ISCG	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.78%	2.64%	+3.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.64%	6.94%	+6.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.60%	9.55%	+9.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.03%	13.80%	+9.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.20%	16.63%	+6.57%

ISCG vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISCG has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than DGRO's 0.08% 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

ISCG vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

ISCG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, less than DGRO's 1.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	1.97%	2.09%	2.26%	2.45%	2.34%	1.93%	2.30%	2.21%	2.44%	2.03%	2.27%	2.52%
ISCG iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF	0.58%	0.61%	0.84%	0.77%	0.92%	0.62%	0.10%	0.27%	0.40%	0.52%	1.19%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISCG and DGRO in my portfolio?

ISCG and DGRO have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISCG or DGRO?

ISCG has higher volatility (5.78%) compared to DGRO (2.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISCG dropped -57.72% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, ISCG or DGRO?

On 10-year performance, DGRO leads with 13.58% vs 12.03% for ISCG. On fees, ISCG is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 2.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISCG or DGRO?

Over the 10-year period, DGRO has performed better with a 13.58% return vs 12.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISCG or DGRO?

ISCG is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for DGRO.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.97%, compared with 0.58% for ISCG.

What is the main difference between ISCG and DGRO?

ISCG is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while DGRO is Large Cap Growth Equities. ISCG tracks Morningstar US Small Cap Broad Growth Extended Index, while DGRO tracks Morningstar US Dividend Growth Index. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for ISCG and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 1.80), 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.