IWLG vs. DGRO

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

IWLG (NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF) and DGRO (iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. IWLG is actively managed, while DGRO is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IWLG returned 23.30%/yr vs 17.46%/yr for DGRO. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IWLG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for DGRO.

Performance

IWLG vs. DGRO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF (IWLG) 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, IWLG achieves a 5.65% return, which is significantly lower than DGRO's 9.64% return.

IWLG

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: 5.14%
• YTD: 5.65%
• 6M: 4.68%
• 1Y: 16.46%
• 3Y*: 23.30%
• 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)

IWLG vs. DGRO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
IWLG NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF	5.65%	14.73%	31.47%	43.25%	-0.01%
DGRO iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF	9.64%	15.69%	16.62%	10.47%	7.27%

Correlation

The correlation between IWLG 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	0.50
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2022	0.61

The correlation between IWLG and DGRO shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (1 year) to 0.61 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IWLG vs. DGRO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IWLG	DGRO
Technology	50.2%	19.4%
Communication Services	16.2%	0.1%
Industrials	11.4%	10.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.2%	5.7%
Healthcare	5.6%	16.4%
Financial Services	4.5%	21.2%
Consumer Defensive	1.8%	11.5%
Utilities	1.1%	6.9%
Basic Materials	1.1%	2.5%
Energy	-	5.6%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

IWLG vs. DGRO — Risk / Return Rank

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

IWLG

IWLG Risk / Return Rank: 25
IWLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
IWLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
IWLG Omega Ratio Rank: 27
IWLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
IWLG Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

IWLG vs. DGRO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF (IWLG) 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.

	IWLG	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	2.53	-1.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.46	3.68	-2.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.46	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.85	3.71	-2.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.59	14.33	-11.75
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IWLG vs. DGRO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IWLG Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is lower than the DGRO Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IWLG 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

	IWLG	DGRO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.01	2.53	-1.52
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	1.12	0.77	+0.35

Drawdowns

IWLG vs. DGRO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IWLG drawdown since its inception was -23.19%, smaller than the maximum DGRO drawdown of -35.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IWLG and DGRO.

Drawdown Indicators

	IWLG	DGRO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.19%	-35.10%	+11.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.45%	-6.47%	-12.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.19%	-14.03%	-9.16%
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	-1.34%	0.00%	-1.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.57%	-3.44%	-1.13%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.38%	1.67%	+4.71%

Volatility

IWLG vs. DGRO - Volatility Comparison

NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF (IWLG) has a higher volatility of 4.47% compared to iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) at 2.24%. This indicates that IWLG'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

	IWLG	DGRO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.47%	2.24%	+2.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.37%	6.94%	+5.43%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.31%	9.49%	+6.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.95%	13.82%	+7.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.95%	16.62%	+4.33%

IWLG vs. DGRO - Expense Ratio Comparison

IWLG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than DGRO's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

IWLG vs. DGRO - Dividend Comparison

IWLG has not paid dividends to shareholders, while DGRO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.94%.

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%
IWLG NYLI Winslow Large Cap Growth ETF	0.00%	0.00%	1.34%	0.01%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IWLG and DGRO in my portfolio?

IWLG 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, IWLG or DGRO?

IWLG has higher volatility (4.47%) compared to DGRO (2.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IWLG dropped -23.19% vs DGRO's -35.10%.

Which ETF is better, IWLG or DGRO?

On 3-year performance, IWLG leads with 23.30% vs 17.46% for DGRO. On fees, DGRO is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DGRO has been the lower-risk option at 2.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IWLG or DGRO?

Over the 3-year period, IWLG has performed better with a 23.30% return vs 17.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IWLG or DGRO?

DGRO is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for IWLG.

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

DGRO has the higher dividend yield at 1.94%, compared with 0.00% for IWLG.

What is the main difference between IWLG and DGRO?

They also come from different issuers: NYLI and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for IWLG and 0.08% for DGRO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DGRO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 1.01), 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.